^.  %i.  *  a 


LIBRARY  OF  THE  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


PRINCETON,     N.    J. 


Dtfftto»....D.X.(oQ 
Section JIS..V\5 


m 


4 


/' 


* 


V't 


4 


HISTORY 


OF   THE 


EVANGELICAL  LUTHERAN 


TENNESSEE  SYNOD, 


embracing 

An  Account  op  the  Causes,  which  gave  Rise  to  Its 

Organization  ;  Its  Organization  and  Name  ;  Its 

Position  and  Confessional  Basis  ;  Object  of 

Its  Organization;   Work,  Development, 

and  Various  Sessions  ;  Its  Policy  ; 

And  Its  Future. 


/by 
SOCRATES  HENKEL,  D.  D. 


NEW  MARKET,  VA.: 

Henkee  &  Co.,  Printers  and  Publishers. 

1890. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1890,  by 

Henkel  &  Co.,  Publishers,  New  Market,  Va., 
in  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


PREFACE. 

Some  years  ago,  trie  author  was  requested,  by  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  to  prepare,  for  publication,  the  history  of 
this  Synod.  This  seemed  to  be  necessary,  in  order  to  present  the 
Synod  in  its  true  light  before  the  Church  and  the  world.  Some  years 
were  spent  in  securing  proper  data  or  material  for  that  purpose.  Re- 
course was  had  to  different  sources,  as,  the  Minutes  of  this  Synod  and 
of  other  Synods,  as  well  as  to  some  of  the  most  reliable  and  intelligent 
members  of  the  Church,  who  were  present  during  the  trials  and  con- 
flicts which  gave  rise  to  its  organization,  and  to  other  reliable  sources. 
The  object  was  to  present  the  true,  historical  facts,  in  a  fair,  impartial 
manner,  without  any  disposition  to  reflect  unnecessarily  on  any  one, 
or  to  perpetuate  strife  or  contention.  An  honest,  faithful  statement 
seemed  to  be  necessary  in  order  to  perpetuate  the  facts. 

Whatever  discrepancies  may  appear  in  some  portions  of  this  his- 
tory, in  regard  to  style,  punctuation,  &c,  may  be  accounted  for  on 
the  ground,  that  such  portions  were  quoted  in  a  general  way,  as  they 
appeared  on  the  records  from  which  they  were  taken.  The  differences 
which  appear  in  the  elements  and  styles  of  the  obituaries,  result  from 
the  fact,  that  they  are  made  up,  with  few  exceptions,  from  the  Minutes 
of  Synod  and  church  journals,  nearly,  in  most  instances,  as  their 
authors  presented  them. 

In  the  preparation  of  this  work,  care  was  taken  to  give  such  facts 
and  matters  as  are  best  calculated  to  promote  the  highest  interests  of 
the  Church,  and  to  give  them  due  prominence  in  a  plain,  simple  way. 
Facts  and  sound  principles  should  be  maintained  and  perpetuated. 
Truth  is  what  is  needed.  There  is  too  much  cant,  prevarication,  and 
hypocrisy. 

This  work  is  now  humbly  submitted  to  an   impartial  public,   to 

determine  how  well  and  faithfully  its  author  has  accomplished  the 

object  contemplated,  with  the  hope,  that  it  may  prove  a  blessing  in 

the  department  for  which  it  is  intended,  and  promote  the  best  interests 

of  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom. 

S.   H. 
New  Market,  Va.,  /8go. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE  CAUSES  WHICH  GAVE  RISE  TO  ITS  ORGANIZATION. 

PAGES. 
Doctrinal  Position  of  the  Church  up  to  the  Close  of  the  Eighteenth 
Century — Divergencies  from  the  Standards  of  the  Church — 
Causes  which  Gave  Rise  to  these  Deviations  from  the  Confes- 
sions— Pietism,  Rationalism,  Exaggerated  Ideas  of  Liberty — 
Condition  and  Position  about  the  Time  of  the  Organization  of 
the  Tennessee  Synod i 

CHAPTER  II. 

THE  ORGANIZATION  AND  NAME  OF  THE  SYNOD. 
The   Open   Rupture — When,   Where,   and    How — The   Leaders — 
Organization — When,  Where,  and  by  Whom — The  Name  of  the 
Synod — Basis — Regulations 24 

CHAPTER  III. 

ITS  POSITION  AND  CONFESSIONAL  BASIS. 

The  Augsburg  Confession  and  the  Doctrines  of  the  Church — The 
Constitution  as  Revised  in  1866 — Its  Adherence  to  the  Confes- 
sions— The  Printing  Establishment — Its  Publications 32 

CHAPTER  IV. 

THE  OBJECT  OF  ITS  ORGANIZATION. 
The  Restoration  of  the  Church  to  its  Normal  Condition  in  Doctrine 
and  Practice — Its  Positive   Course — Prosperity  of  its  Work — Its 
Extension  in  Various  States 40 

CHAPTER  V. 

ITS  WORK  AND  DEVELOPMENT. 

Its  Different  Sessions — When  and  Where — Its  Different  Decades — 
Its  Accessions — Baptisms,  Confirmations  for  Each  Decade — 
Ordinations — Dismissals — Communications — Reasons  for  Re- 
jecting the  General  Synod — Its  Extension — Contacts  with  Other 
Synods — Position  in  Regard  to  Slavery— Organization  of  Other 
Synods  out  of  its  Members  and  Congregations— Refutation  of 
Resolutions  Passed  Against  it— Its  Position  Relative  to  Promis- 


CONTENTS.  V 

cuous  Communion  and  Pulpit  Fellowship,  Secret  Societies,  and 
Chiliasm — Its  Connection  with  the  United  Synod — Its  Total 
Number  of  Accessions — Baptisms,  Confirmations,  Ordinations, 
Applicants,  Churches,  Ministers — Theological  Students — Liter- 
ary Institutions — Basis  of  United  Synod  and  Constitution — 
Obituaries 43 

CHAPTER  VI. 

ITS  POLICY. 

Its  Opposition  to  Mingling  of  the  State  and  Church — They  Should 
be  Kept  Separate — Scriptures  Present  Sufficient  Rules  for  the 
Church — Denial  of  the  Right  of  a  Majority  to  Decide  Relative 
to  Doctrine  or  Church  Discipline — The  Word  of  God  the  Only 
Standard — Synods  only  Advisory  Bodies — The  Purview  of  Syn- 
ods— Opposition  to  Incorporating  Synod  with  Civil  Authority — 
Congregational  Treasuries — The  Power  in  the  People  or  Congre- 
gation— Synods  Not  Sovereign 262 

CHAPTER  VII. 

ITS  FUTURE. 

The  Indications  Favorable — It  Has  a  Future  Mission — Prepared 
for  it 266 


HISTORY 

OF    THE 

EVANGELICAL  LUTHERAN 

TENNESSEE   SYNOD. 

CHAPTER    I. 

THE    CAUSES    WHICH    GAVE    RISE    TO    ITS    ORGANIZATION. 

The  causes  which  gave  rise  to  the  organization  of  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  in  the  year  1820, 
will  be  found  chiefly  in  the  position  which  the  Church 
occupied,  at  that  time,  in  regard  to  doctrine  and  practice. 
Hence,  it  will  be  necessary,  in  the  outset,  to  take  a  brief 
view  of  the  condition  of  the  Church,  in  these  respects,  dur- 
ing that  period. 

The  most  authentic  records  seem  clearly  to  indicate 
that  the  Church  generally  adhered  closely  to  the  doctrines 
and  principles  of  the  Bible,  as  set  forth  and  confessed  in  the 
Unaltered  Augsburg  Confession  and  her  other  Symbolical 
Books,  until  towards  the  close  of  the  eighteenth  and  the 
beginning  of  the  nineteenth  century. 

They  were  Lutherans, — just  what  their  name  indicated. 
The  first  Swedish  colonists  even,  who  settled  in  this  country, 
based  themselves  firmly  on  the  Augsburg  Confession  and 
Luther's  Catechism.  For  a  number  of  years  every  effort  to 
preserve  these  doctrines  in  their  purity  and  simplicity,  was 
made.  The  instructions  to  the  Governor  were:  "Before 
all,  the  Governor  must  labor  and  watch,  that  he  render,  in 
all  things,  to  Almighty  God,  the  true  worship  whiclf  is  his 
due,  the  glory,  the  praise,  and  the  homage  that  belong  to 


2  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

him,  and  take  good  measures  that  the  Divine  service  is 
performed  according  to  the  true  Confession  of  Augsburg, 
the  Council  of  Upsal,  and  the  ceremonies  of  the  Swedish 
Church,  having  care  that  all  men,  and  especially  the  youth, 
be  instructed  in  all  parts  of  Christianity,  and  that  a  good 
ecclesiastical  discipline  be  observed  and  maintained." — 
Schaeffer'  s  Early  History,  p.  15. 

In  accepting  the  aid  offered  by  the  King  of  England 
and  the  English  Society,  the  Salzburg  refugees  made  it  a 
condition,  "that  they  should  be  protected  in  the  free  exer- 
cise of  their  holy  religion,  as  contained  in  the  Augsburg 
Confession,  and  the  other  Symbolical  Books  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Lutheran  Church,  of  which  they  professed  to  be 
members." — Dr.  Mann' s  Lutheranism   in  America,  p.  ny. 

Neither  did  Muhlenberg  and  his  co-laborers  teach  any 
other  doctrines,  nor  endeavor  to  establish,  in  this  country, 
any  other  system  of  faith,  than  that  inculcated  in  the  Lu- 
theran Confessions  and  Catechisms.  '  'The  Lutheran  Church 
in  America  was,  from  the  beginning,  built  upon  the  old 
foundation  of  the  Gospel,  as  interpreted  by  the  collective 
body  of  the  Symbolical  Books  ;  and  ministers  and  parochial 
school-masters  were  required  to  preach  and  teach  in  accord- 
ance with  them." — Dr.  Mann  s  Lutheranism  in   America, 

p.    IJ2. 

"When  St.  Michael's  Church,  in  Philadelphia,  was 
founded,  in  1743,  it  was  publicly  proclaimed  :  'The  corner- 
stone of  this  church  has  been  laid,  with  the  design  that  in 
it  may  be  taught  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  doctrines,  ac- 
cording to  the  apostles  and  prophets,  as  contained  in  the 
Unaltered  Augsburg  Confession,  and  all  the  other  Symbol- 
ical Books.'  " — Halle  Nachrichtcn,  p.  288. 

"In  the  year  1748,  the  ordination  of  Rev.  N.  Kurtz 
occurred,  the  Swedish  pastors  joining  in  the  performance  of 
the  solemn  rite  ;  but  before  it  was  performed,  a  declaration 
was  exacted  from  the  candidate  'that  he  would  adhere  to 
the  pu*e  doctrine  of  our  Evangelical  Church,  according  to 
the  Word  of  God  and  our  Confessions  of  Faith.'     The  year 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  3 

preceding,  Brunnholz  re-dedieated  a  church,  as  'an  Evan- 
gelical Lutheran  Church,  according  to  the  foundation  of 
the  prophets  and  apostles,  and  our  Symbolical  Books.'  "  — 
Halle  Nackrichten,  p.  252. 

"In  1760,  Paul  D.  Pryzelius  was  admitted  into  the 
Synod,  after  having  made  the  following  declaration  :  '  I 
sincerely  promise,  before  God,  the  Searcher  of  hearts,  that 
I  will  teach  nothing  to  my  congregations,  except  what  is 
well  founded  in  the  canonical  books  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments,  and  to  conform,  in  all  my  sermons,  and  in  all 
my  public  and  private  instructions  of  the  Holy  Sacraments, 
to  our  Symbolical  Books.'  " — Halle  Nackrichten,  p.  856. 

"In  1 76 1,  Muhlenberg  gave  direction  for  the  form  of 
the  deeds  for  the  newly  begun  church  at  Barren  Hill,  to 
the  effect  that  they  be  '  prepared  in  such  a  way  as  forever 
to  devote  the  church  to  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  doctrine, 
according  to  the  foundation  of  the  Apostles,  and  the  teach- 
ings of  the  Unaltered  Augsburg  Confession.'  " — Halle  Nack- 
richten, pp.  864.  and  1 182. 

"  In  the  Constitution  for  the  Philadelphia  congregation 
(1762,)  which  became  the  model  for  many  others,  the  first 
article  required  the  minister  to  teach  according  to  the  Un- 
altered Augsburg  Confession." — Halle  Nackrichten,  p.  762. 

About  the  close  of  the  eighteenth  century  and  the 
beginning  of  the  nineteenth,  the  fathers  who  had  immigra- 
ted to  this  country,  and  done  the  hard  and  difficult  work  of 
the  pioneer,  had  passed  from  this  realm  to  that  beyond  the 
skies,  to  enjoy  their  rest  and  their  rewards.  Their  fidelity 
to  the  Confessions  of  the  Church  and  her  Scriptural  services, 
their  arduous,  conscientious,  energetic  labors  in  establishing 
and  building  congregations,  their  faithful  Gospel  preaching 
and  careful  catechetical  instruction,  their  zealous  family 
devotion,  and  their  pious  walk  and  conduct,  had  passed, 
and  well  nigh  escaped  the  memory  of  the  survivors. 

Great  political  changes  grew  out  of  the  results  of  the 
Revolutionary  War.  These,  under  the  changed  condition 
of  things,  together  with  other  pernicious  influences,  which 


4  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL, 

found  their  way  into  this  country,  proved  disparaging  to 
the  Church  and  her  work,  leaving  Christianity  in  a  very 
precarious  state,  vacillating  to  and  fro,  with  very  little  defi- 
nite or  fixed  policy  or  principles.  Under  this  new  and 
unsettled  condition  of  things,  Liberty,  Freedom,  the  all- 
absorbing  element  of  that  day,  exaggerated  and  carried 
beyond  its  proper  sphere  or  domain,  resulted  in  ignoring 
almost  every  thing  that  was  definite,  fixed,  or  established. 
It  seems,  in  fact,  that  there  was  scarcely  any  positive 
Christian  faith  really  recognized,  and  that  almost  every 
trace  of  a  true  and  living  churchliuess  was  obliterated. 

Pietism  and  Rationalism  prevailed  to  an  alarming  ex- 
tent in  Germany  and  other  countries.  The  former,  inaugu- 
rated by  Spener, — a  man  of  distinguished  talents  and  rare 
learning, — for  the  purpose  of  reviving,  in  the  Church, 
greater  zeal  for  vital  piety  and  practical  Christianity,  was 
afterwards  carried  beyond  its  contemplated  object  by  Franke, 
a  very  zealous  and  able  minister,  and  thus,  amidst  the 
agitation,  it  finally  resulted  in  fanaticism,  as  well  as  in  a 
perversion  of  many  of  the  leading  doctrines  of  the  Church, 
and  in  ignoring,  to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  her  true  Con- 
fessions.— Kurtz" s  Church  History,  pp.  zg8,  igg.  240. 

The  controversy  between  the  Orthodox  and  the  Pietists 
concentrated  especially  around  the  doctrines  of  Regenera- 
tion, of  Justification,  of  Sanctification,  of  the  Church,  and 
of  the  Millennium.  Page  242.  Some  of  the  ministers  who 
immigrated  to  this  country  were  of  the  Halle,  Frankean, 
Pietistic  school,  and  they  came  imbued  with  that  spirit,  to 
some  extent,  and  infused  it  in  some  parts  of  the  Church  ; 
and,  hence,  it  is,  that  we  still  see  it  occasionally  cropping  out, 
in  certain  sections,  in  its  heterodox,  fanatical  elements. 

The  latter,  Rationalism,  in  the  language  of  Kurtz's 
Church  History,  p.  276,  crept  into  the  Protestant  theology 
of  the  continent,  especially  of  German}-.  The  extremes  of 
Pietism,  it  appears,  prepared  the  way  for  Rationalism,  the 
other  extreme.  One  extreme  usually  results  in  another,  in 
the  opposite  direction.     Fanaticism  generally  ends  in  skep- 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  5 

ticism.  This  pernicious,  disturbing  element,  Rationalism, 
also  found  its  way  to  North  America,  and  exerted  a  very 
baneful  influence  over  the  people  in  regard  to  the  teachings 
of  the  Bible,  as  presented  in  the  Confessions  of  the  Church. 
The  tendency  was  to  yield  or  compromise  nearly  everything 
that  was  positive  or  definite,  until,  as  Dr.  Krauth  said,  in 
speaking  of  the  condition  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church,  at  the  close  of  the  eighteenth  and  the  beginning 
of  the  nineteenth  century,  "We  had  a  weak,  indecisive 
pulpit,  feeble  catechisms,  vague  hymns,  and  constitutions 
which  reduced  the  minister  to  the  position  of  a  hireling 
talker,  and  made  Synods  disorganizations  for  the  purpose 
of  preventing  anything  from  being  done."  Unionism  fol- 
lowed in  the  wake. 

On  the  13th  day  of  November,  1787,  "The  Corpus 
Evangelicum,  or  Unio  Ecclesiastica,"  was  organized  in 
South  Carolina,  "composed  of  Lutheran  and  German  Re- 
formed ministers,  together  with  lay-deputies  from  the 
churches  belonging  to  both  denominations." — Bernheim* s 
History,  &c,  p.  289.  But  this  organization  did  not  long 
continue,  as  must  be  the  case  with  any  union  not  based  on 
agreement  in  doctrine  and  principles.  Failure  and  trouble 
are  written  on  the  face  of  any  such  attempt. 

A  few  years  after  the  death  of  Rev.  Dr.  Muhlenberg, 
which  took  place  October  7,  1787,  the  Ministerium  of  Penn- 
sylvania changed  its  confessional  basis,  to  the  disparage- 
ment of  the  Confessions.  In  a  paper  "on  the  Lutheran 
Church  in  America,"  Dr.  Mann  says  :  "While  the  consti- 
tution of  the  Ministerium  of  Pennsylvania,  prepared  under 
Muhlenberg's  auspices,  is  based  upon  the  Confessions  of 
the  Lutheran  Church,  in  that  published  a  few  years  after 
his  death,  they  are  entirely  ignored  ;"  and  Lntheranism 
continued  to  degenerate  more  and  more,  till  a  reaction  was 
brought  about. 

In  the  year  18 17,  a  new  hymn-book,  called  Gemein- 
schaftliche  Gesangbuch,  intended  for  the  Lutheran  and 
Reformed  Churches,   published  by  Schaeffer  &  Maund,  of 


6  HISTORY    OF    THE    EVAN6EUCAL 

Baltimore,  Md.,  was  introduced,  and  after  examination  by 
all  the  Lutheran  and  Reformed  Synods  in  the  United  States 
of  America,  at  that  time,  its  use  in  all  the  congregations 
was  authorized.  See  "Comprehensive  Account  of  the  Rise 
and  Progress  of  the  Blessed  Reformation  of  the  Christian 
Church.  By  Dr.  Martin  Luther."*  Prepared  by  Rev.  G. 
Shober,  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod.     Pp.  146,  147. 

In  speaking  of  this  new  hymn-book,  Rev.  Shober 
says:  "This  meritorious  undertaking  paves  the  way  to 
universal  harmony,  union,  and  love  among  our  Lutheran 
and  Reformed  Churches,  removing  all  the  obstacles  which 
hitherto  prevented  that  happy  effect,  and  establishes  a  uni- 
formity in  that  part  of  divine  worship  which  cannot  fail  to 
be  highly  gratifying  to  all  those  who  consider  brotherly 
love  an  indispensable  attribute  of  Christianity." 

No  doubt,  this  insidious  course  produced,  to  a  consid- 
erable extent,  for  the  time  being,  the  effect  which  the 
author  of  those  lines  so  much  desired, — for  the  songs  and 
services  used  in  worship  exert  great  influence.  But  whilst 
it  was  doing  this,  it  was  aiding  in  engendering  and  culti- 
vating a  spirit  which,  as  the  child  of  an  unjustifiable  com- 
promise of  principles,  ultimately  resulted  in  ignoring  some 
of  the  most  vital  and  fundamental  doctrines  and  elements 
of  the  Church,  leaving  her  in  that  latitudinarian  state  of 
indifference  and  laxness  in  regard  to  almost  every  thing 
that  was  regarded  as  positive  and  definite,  in  which  she 
appeared  about  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  century, 
without  helm  or  rudder, — a  deplorable  wreck,  requiring 
years  for  its  restoration. 

It  may  not  be  inadmissible  to  call  attention  here  to  the 
great  religious  revival  which  swept  over  the  United  States 
in  1800  and  1801,  not  that  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church  gave  it  any  special  countenance  at  that  time, — at  a 


*If  occasions  for  referring  to  the  above  work,  in  writing  this 
history,  present  themselves,  we  shall  indicate  that  work  by  the  title, 
Luther,  as  "  l.uther  "  is  the  name  which  appears  on  the  back  of  the 
book. 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  7 

later  period  this  delusive  system  or  plan  of  operation  was 
introduced  in  some  portions  of  her  territory, — -but  to  show 
the  unsettled,  unehurehly  state  of  religion,  in  general,  in 
this  country,  at  that  time. 

In  regard  to  it,  Rev.  Storch,  of  North  Carolina,  writes  : 
"By  the  side  of  this  pestilence  (infidelity),  there  prevails 
now,  for  over  a  year,  a  something,  I  know  not  what  to 
name  it,  and  I  should  not  like  to  say  Fanaticism.  Chris- 
tians of  every  denomination  assemble  themselves  in  the 
forest,  numbering  four,  six  and  sometimes  ten  thousand 
persons;  they  erect  tents,  sing,  pray,  and  preach,  day  and 
night,  for  five,  six,  and  eight  days.  I  have  been  an  eye- 
witness to  .scenes  in  such  large  assemblies,  which  I  cannot 
explain.  I  beheld  young  and  old,  feeble  and  strong,  white 
and  black,  in  short,  people  of  every  age,  position,  and  cir- 
cumstance, as  though  they  were  struck  by  lightning, 
speechless  and  motionless  ;  and,  when  they  had  somewhat 
recovered,  they  could  be  heard  shrieking  bitterly,  and  sup- 
plicating God  for  mercy  and  grace. 

"After  they  had  thus  spent  three,  and  many  even  more, 
hours,  they  rose  up,  praised  God,  and  commenced  to  pray 
in  such  a  manner,  as  they  never  were  wont  to  do,  exhorting 
sinners  to  come  to  Jesus,  &c.  Many  of  those  who  were 
thus  exercised,  were  ungodly  persons  before,  and  we  can 
now  discover  a  remarkable  change  in  them.  Even  deists 
have  been  brought  to  confess  Christ  in  this  way.  Thus 
this  thing  continues  even  to  this  hour. 

"Opinions  are  various  in  regard  to  it;  many,  even 
ministers,  denominate  it  the  work  of  the  devil  ;  others  again 
would  explain  it  in  a  natural  way,  or  in  accordance  with 
some  physical  law  ;  whilst  others  look  upon  it  as  the  work 
of  God." — Rev.  Dr.  Bernheim\&  History  of  the  Lutheran 
Church  in  the  Carolinas,  pp.  351,  353. 

In  the  Minutes  of  a  Conference,  held  in  Rader's  Church, 
Rockingham  County,  Virginia,  in  1806,  Rev.  Paul  Henkel 
says  relative  to  this  revival : 


8  HISTORY   OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

"Towards  the  close  of  the  year  1801,  there  occurred  a 
mighty  waking  up  of  religion  among  the  English  people  in 
Guilford  and  Orange  Counties,  N.  C,  which  caused  our 
German  people  to  understand  the  true  worth  of  the  Gospel. 
Both  the  pastors  and  their  people  were  surprised  ;  for  it 
appeared  exceedingly  strange  to  those  who  were  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  order  of  salvation,  that  true  conversion 
should  consist  in  such  a  way  as  declared  by  these  people  ; 
that  true  faith  should  originate  in  such  sermons,  as  caused 
such  corporeal  convulsions,  such  representations  of  the 
devil,  death,  and  hell ;  the  fearful  and  awful  expressions  of 
lightning,  thunder,  hail,  fire,  and  brimstone  against  the 
sinner,  deprived  many  of  their  senses,  and  prostrated  them 
in  fainting  fits. 

"As  the  like  proceedings  were  upheld  and  defended  by 
so  many  English  preachers,  and  as  many  had  declared  that 
by  means  of  such  workings  they  had  received  true  and 
reliable  witness  of  the  pardon  of  their  sins  and  of  the  new 
birth,  many  of  us  hesitated  to  contradict  such  proceedings, 
although  they  were  thought  to  be  so  contrary  to  the  doc- 
trines of  the  Gospel.  Many  passages  of  Scripture  were 
pointed  out  as  opposed  to  these  outward  manifestations ; 
but  many  good  meaning  persons  defended  them  as  Scriptu- 
ral, whereupon  the  important  question  arose  among  them  : 
'  Must  we  "not  also  experience  the  same  thing  in  order  to  be 
saved  ?'  The  people  became  anxious  and  concerned,  were 
much  affected  and  distressed,  and  pressed  upon  their  pas- 
tors to  decide  this  matter  for  them,  who  were  unwilling  to 
do  this  without  due  consideration  and  the  fullest  assurance. 

"The  German  ministers  were  at  first  divided  in  their 
opinions  on  this  subject ;  nevertheless,  it  drove  them  to 
more  intimate  communion  with  each  other  in  their  official 
acts,  and  they  have  thus  the  opportunity  to  investigate  this 
matter  more  closely." 

This  course  of  procedure,  that  is,  this  revival  theory, 
also  had  a  tendency  to  divert  the  mind  from  the  regular 
Means  of  Grace  as  set  forth  in  the  Word  of  God,  as  well  as 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  9 

from  a  reliance  on  the  promises  contained  in  Divine  Reve- 
lation, to  a  dependence  on  the  feelings  or  emotions,  for 
salvation,  thus  disparaging,  to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  the 
true  doctrines  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  leaving  the 
Church  in  a  state  of  distraction,  in  regard  to  some  of  the 
most  vital  features  of  sound  Scriptural  theology. 

In  the  year  1794,  Robert  Johnson  Miller, — a  licentiate 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Conference,— was  ordained,  b}* 
Lutheran  pastors,  of  Cabarrus  and  Rowan  Counties,  North 
Carolina,  on  petition  from  White  Haven  Church,  Lincoln 
County,  North  Carolina,  really  as  a  minister  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  in  America,  under  obligations  always 
to  obey  the  Rules,  Ordinances,  and  Customs  of  that  Society 
of  Christians  ;  as  his  ordination  certificate  will  show, — on 
the  opposite  side  of  which  the  Lutheran  ministers  give  their 
reasons  for  ordaining  a  man  who  was  attached  to  the  Epis- 
copal Church,  as  a  minister  of  that  denomination. — See 
Bemheim's  History  of  the  Lutheran  Church  in   the  Carolinas, 

PP-  338,  339- 

As  such,  he  labored  in  connection  with  the  Lutherans 
of  North  Carolina,  and  after  the  organization  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Lutheran  Synod  in  that  State,  in  1803,  he  continued 
to  labor  in  that  Synod  till  182 1,  when  he  severed  that  con- 
nection, and  was  ordained  in  Raleigh,  N.  C,  to  deacon's 
and  priest's  orders  in  the  Episcopal  ministry.  In  his  former 
connection,  even  as  an  Episcopalian,  he  labored  for  a  period 
of  twenty-seven  years. 

According  to  the  Journal  of  the  Episcopal  North  Caro- 
lina Convention  of  18 18,  it  seems  that  previous  to  the  year 
1 8 16,  there  was  no  Episcopal  clergyman  in  that  State,  and 
but  one  congregation  in  which  the  worship  of  that  church 
was  performed.  Hence  it  was,  that  the  said  Miller  thought 
it  his  duty  to  form  a  temporary  connection  with  the  Lu- 
theran Church.  He  was  a  man  of  quite  respectable  attain- 
ments, energy,  zeal,  and  perseverance,  and  did  much 
missionary  work  among  the  Lutherans.  But  it  is  not 
unreasonable  to  conclude  that  such  connection  and  policy' 


IO  HISTORY   OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

had  a  tendency  to   looseness  in   doctrine  and   practice,    as 
well  as  to  unionism. 

In  1 82 1,  a  move  was  made  to  effect  a  fraternal  union 
between  the  North  Carolina  Synod  and  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Convention  of  North  Carolina.  At  the  Episcopal 
Convention,  held  in  Raleigh,  April  28,  182 1,  which  Rev. 
Robert  J.  Miller  attended  with  a  view  to  connect  himself 
fully  with  the  Episcopal  Church,  "to  which  he  really  be- 
longed, having  been  ordained  by  Lutheran  ministers  of 
North  Carolina,  as  an  Episcopal  minister,  and  was  the  pastor 
of  an  Episcopal  congregation,  White  Haven  Church,  in 
Lincoln  County,"  he  proposed  the  establishment  of  such  a 
union.  His  proposition  was  accepted,  and  received  the 
proper  action  on  the  part  of  the  Episcopal  Convention,  to 
consummate  the  contemplated  union.  At  its  meeting  in 
Lau's  Church,  Guilford  County,  North  Carolina,  June  17, 
182 1,  the  Lutheran  North  Carolina  Synod  accepted  the 
proposition,  and  the  delegates  of  the  Episcopal  Convention 
being  present,  the  union  was  completed.  At  the  next  Epis- 
copal Convention,  held  in  Raleigh,  April  18,  1822,  the  pro- 
ceedings were  ratified.  But  it  seems  this  union  did  not  long 
continue.  "For,  after  the  year  1823,  nothing  more  appears 
concerning  the  fraternal  relations  of  these  two  bodies." — 
See  Bernheiiri '  s  History,  &c,  p.  $57. 

In  18 10,  Gottlieb  Shober,  a  Moravian,  was  ordained  by 
the  Lutheran  Synod  of  North  Carolina,  but  it  seems,  that, 
in  some  way,  he  also  retained  his  connection  with  the  Mo- 
ravians. He  resided  all  his  life  in  Salem,  North  Carolina, 
and  labored  in  some  Lutheran  churches  in  its  vicinity. — 
In  regard  to  him,  Bernheim's  History,  pp.  441,  442,  says  : 
"Rev.  Shober  was  no  Lutheran,  he  was  a  member  of  the 
Moravian  Church,  and  never  disconnected  himself  from  com- 
munion with  the  same  ;  he  lived  and  died  as  a  member  of 
that  church.  This  information  the  writer  received  from  his 
own  daughter,  the  widow  of  Bishop  Herrman.  He  merely 
served  the  Lutheran  Church  in  the  capacity  of  one  of  its 
ministers,  being  pastor  of  several  neglected  Lutheran  con- 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  II 

gregations  in  the  vicinity  of  his  place  of  residence."  It  is 
not  unnatural  to  conclude,  that  such  connection  and  labor 
would  ultimately  result,  to  some  extent,  in  disintegration 
and  disturbance. 

During  the  meeting  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod 
of  North  Carolina,  in  1816,  it  was  resolved  that  the  Secre- 
tary, Rev.  Shober,  "compile  all  the  rules  adopted  by  this 
Synod,  and  publish  them  in  the  English  language."  In 
accordance  with  this  resolution,  the  secretary  prepared  and 
laid  before  Synod  in  18 17,  a  manuscript  compilation  en- 
titled :  ' '  Comprehensive  Account  of  the  Rise  and  Progress 
of  the  blessed  Reformation  of  the  Christian  Church,  By  Dr. 
Martin  Euther,  actually  begun  on  the  31st  day  of  October, 
A.  D.,  1517  ;  interspersed  with  views  of  his  character  and 
doctrine,  extracted  from  his  books  ;  and  how  the  Church, 
established  by  him,  arrived  and  progressed  in  North  Ameri- 
ca,—as  also,  the  Constitution  and  Rules  of  that  Church,  in 
North  Carolina  and  adjoining  States,  as  existing  in  Octo- 
ber, 1817." 

This  work  also  contains  a  translation  of  twenty-two 
articles  of  the  Augsburg  Confession.  The  translation  used, 
is,  according  to  a  statement  made  by  Rev.  Dr.  Beale  M. 
Schmucker,  in  a  little  work  entitled,  "English  Translations 
of  the  Augsburg  Confession,"  that  of  Dr.  E.  L.  Hazelius, 
with  all  its  omissions  and  notes.  In  the  tenth  article,  the 
word  true  is  omitted,  and  the  article  is  accompanied  with  a 
foot-note,  which  perverts  the  true  sense,  and  so  modifies  it, 
as  to  make  it  acceptable  to  the  various  denominations ;  and 
so  too,  in  regard  to  the  eleventh  article.  Really,  the  trans- 
lation is  very  defective. 

According  to  the  first  article  of  the  Constitution  of  the 
North  Carolina  Synod,  as  presented  in  that  book,  the  first 
twenty-one  articles  of  this  translation  of  the  Augsburg  Con- 
fession, are  made  the  point  of  union,  and  the  ministers  en- 
tering that  Synod  were  pledged  to  the  same. 

In  that  book,  the  Rules,  made  by  that  Synod  in  18 17, 
for  its  government,  appear.     In  the  eleventh  one  of  these 


12  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

Rules,  page  172,  the  New  York  Liturgy  is  designated  as 
one  of  the  Symbolical  Books  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod. 

Whilst  that  work,  compiled  03'  Rev.  G.  Shober,  ap- 
proved by  the  North  Carolina  Synod,  and  familiarly  called 
"Luther,"  conforms  in  some  respects  to  sound  Lutheran 
principles,  its  general  tone  and  tenor  are  compromising  and 
unionistic,  with  a  tendency  to  latitudinarianism  and  loose- 
ness in  doctrine,  rather  ignoring  the  true  Confessions  of  the 
Church,  and  disparaging  her  distinctive  features,  with  a 
view  to  effect  a  kind  of  general,  fraternal  union  with  the 
different  denominations.  This  is  evident  from  the  following 
remarks  which  the  author,  Rev.  Shober,  makes  in  the  con- 
clusion of  his  book,  called  Luther,  page  210: 

' '  I  have  attentively  examined  the  doctrine  of  the 
Episcopalian  church,  and  read  many  excellent  authors  of 
the  Presbyterians,  know  the  Methodist  doctrine  from  their 
book,  'Portraiture  of  Methodism,'  and  am  acquainted  with 
the  Baptist  doctrine  so  far  as  they  admit  and  adore  Jesus 
the  Savior. 

"Among  all  those  classes  who  worship  Jesus  as  a  God, 
I  see  nothing  of  importance  to  prevent  a  cordial  union  ; 
and  how  happy  would  it  be  if  all  the  churches  could  unite, 
and  send  deputies  to  a  general  meeting  of  all  denominations, 
and  there  sink  down  upon  the  rock  Jesus,  and,  at  the  same 
time,  leaving  to  each  their  peculiar  mode  and  form  ;  this 
would  influence  all  the  Christians  to  love  one  another  when 
and  whersoever  they  meet,  and  they  would  commune 
together." 

Again,  pages  211,  212,  he  says: 

"  I  think  my  sentiments  and  experiences  are  as  ortho- 
dox and  Calvinistical  as  need  be,  and  yet  I  am  a  sort  of 
speckled  bird  among  my  Calvinist  brethren.  I  am  a  mighty 
good  church  man,  but  pass  among  such  as  a  Dissenter  in 
prunello.  On  the  other  hand,  the  Dissenters,  many  of  them 
I  mean,  think  me  defective  either  in  understanding  or  in 
conscience,  for  staying  where  I  am.  Well,  there  is  a  middle 
party,    called    Methodists,    but   neither  do  my   dimensions 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  1 3 

exactly  fit  them  ;  I  am  somehow  disqualified  for  claiming 
a  full  brotherhood  with  any  party ;  but  there  are  a  few 
among  all  parties  who  bear  with  me,  and  love  me,  and  with 
this  I  must  be  content  at  present." 

It  requires  no  great  acuteness  to  see  how  such  loose, 
unguarded  sentiments  vitiated  and  corrupted  the  Church, 
and  how  they  soon  afterwards  began  to  crop  out  everywhere, 
and  still  come  to  the  surface  in  some  sections. 

Now,  in  view  of  all  these  vitiating,  corrupting,  and 
disintegrating  influences  which  were  brought  to  bear  on 
the  Church  during  that  period,  it  takes  no  very  great 
stretch  of  mind  to  see  the  indefinite,  unsettled,  lax,  disin- 
tegrated, and  dilapidated  condition  of  the  Church  in  regard 
to  doctrine  and  practice  at  the  time  of  the  rupture  in  the 
North  Carolina  Synod,  in  the  year  1820.  Nor  is  it  any 
wonder  that,  in  view  of  such  influences,  such  a  state  of 
disintegration  and  dilapidation  should  exist,  and  result  in 
the  trials  and  troubles  which  followed.  For,  at  that  time, 
according  to  all  the  facts  in  the  case,  there  was  not  a  Synod 
in  North  America  that  unreservedly  recognized  and  ac- 
knowledged the  full,  Unaltered  Augsburg  Confession,  much 
less  the  other  Symbolical  Books. 

In  view  of  such  compromising,  unionistic  proclivities 
and  unchurchly  deviations  and  divergencies,  differences  in 
regard  to  doctrine  and  practice  arose  among  some  of  the 
ministers  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod,  and  they  were  more 
and  more  agitated.  There  were  conflicts  in  the  pulpit,  in 
the, congregation,  and  in  the  family.  One  of  the  leading 
ministers  charged  Rev.  David  Henkel  with  teaching  doc- 
trines contrary  to  the  position  of  the  Church.  To  defend 
himself  against  such  unfounded  charges,  the  latter  appealed 
to  a  Latin  copy  of  the  Book  of  Concord,  which  he  had  in 
possession.  That  gave  him  a  decided  advantage,  in  some 
respects,  in  the  estimation  of  many  of  the  people,  who  were 
not  willing  to  acquiesce  in  the  extreme,  latitudinarian  views 
inculcated  by  the  former.  To  counteract  this  increasing 
advantage,  that  minister  called  into  question  the  correctness 


14  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

of  these  translations  from  the  Latin.  This  proved  disparag- 
ing for  a  while,  but  soon  afterwards  Rev.  David  Henkel 
happened  to  come  across  a  German  copy  of  the  Book  of  Con- 
cord, at  the  residence  of  a  German  in  South  Carolina,  with 
whom  he  spent  a  night  or  two.  After  much  persuasion,  the 
German  let  him  have  the  book.  This  he  brought  with  him, 
rejoicing  in  his  good  fortune  to  get  it,  to  North  Carolina. — 
This  he  presented,  to  sustain  the  correctness  of  his  transla- 
tions made  from  the  Latin  copy  of  his  Book  of  Concord. 
For,  this  the  people  could  read  and  understand  for  them- 
selves, and  finding  that  his  translations  from  the  Latin 
copy  referred  to,  were  correct,  many  of  the  members  of  the 
Church  took  a  decided  stand  in  favor  of  him  and  his  posi- 
tions, and  faithfully  defended  him  and  his  doctrines  against 
the  innovations  and  false  charges  of  his  opponents. 

The  council  of  the  congregation  met,  and  after  con- 
sidering the  matter,  one  of  the  Elders,  Capt.  John  Stire- 
walt,  father  of  the  late  Rev.  Jacob  Stirewalt,  presented  the 
Book  of  Concord  to  the  minister,  saying,  We  want  to  know 
whether  you  intend  to  preach  according  to  this  book,  in  the 
future.  The  minister  hesitated  and  evaded,  but  being 
pressed,  he  raised  the  book  up  and  brought  it  down  on  the 
table,  saying,  From  this  day  henceforth,  I  will  not ;  it  is 
nothing  but  a  controversial  book.  Mr.  Stirewalt  then  raised 
the  book  up,  and  brought  it  down  on  the  table,  saying, 
From  this  day  henceforth,  you  won't  be  our  preacher. 

The  differences  in  doctrine  becoming  more  apparent, 
the  controversies  and  conflicts  assuming  a  wider  range  and 
more  formidable  aspects,  effecting  some  of  the  more  vital 
doctrines  of  the  Church,  and  the  authority  of  her  Confes- 
sions being  called  into  question,  furnished  occasion  for 
rupture  and  schism,  and  gave  rise  to  the  chief  causes  or 
reasons  which  ultimately  resulted  in  the  organization  of  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod  ;  and  all  that  was 
wanting  to  bring  about  the  final  rupture  was  a  suitable 
opportunity.  The  elements  were  at  work,  and  the  oppor- 
tunity for  separation  was  not  long  delayed. 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  1 5 

In  1818,  no  Synod  was  held,  in  consequence  of  the  fact, 
that  as  the  Synod,  at  its  session  in  October,  18 17,  had,  ac- 
cording to  its  constitution,  adopted  at  that  term,  changed 
the  time  for  its  annual  meetings  from  October  to  Trinity 
Sunday  in  each  year,  it  was  deemed  unnecessary  to  meet  in 
18 18,  so  soon  after  the  meeting  in  October,  18 17. 

Dr.  Bernheim,  in  his  History,  p.  435,  says:  "This 
time  of  meeting  was  ' firmly  fixed'  (vest  gesetzt)."  Hence, 
on  account  of  this  change  as  to  the  time  for  the  meeting  of 
this  Synod  being  firmly,  unchangeably  fixed,  the  Synod 
adjourned  to  meet  on  Trinity  Sunday,  18 19. 

During  the  period  of  nineteen  months  which  intervened 
between  the  meeting  in  October,  18 17,  and  that  appointed 
for  Trinity  Sunday,  18 19,  there  was  no  opportunity  for  any 
united,  official  efforts  to  calm  the  conflicting  elements  in 
regard  to  differences  in  doctrine ;  and,  hence,  the  breach 
grew  wider  and  wider. 

But  notwithstanding  the  Synod,  in  its  constitution, 
adopted  October,  18 17,  had  changed  the  time  for  its  regu- 
lar annual  meetings  from  October  to  Trinity  Sunday  in 
each  year,  and  firmly  fixed  that  as  the  time  ;  notwithstand- 
ing it  had  adjourned  to  meet  on  Trinity  Sunday,  18 19  ;  and 
notwithstanding  the  fact  that  on  that  day  a  considerable 
number  of  candidates  for  the  ministry  were,  according  to 
previous  resolution  of  Synod,  to  be  consecrated,  the  Synod 
was  convened,  without  regard  to  the  ordination  of  these 
candidates,  five  or  six  weeks  sooner  than  the  time  designa- 
ted in  the  constitution  for  the  meeting  of  the  Synod,  to 
which  Synod  had  adjourned  to  meet. 

The  reasons  assigned  for  this  unconstitutional  change 
were,  that  a  communication  had  been  received  by  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  North  Carolina  Synod  from  the  Secretary  of  the 
Ministerium  of  Pennsylvania,  to  the  effect  that  there  was  a 
general  desire  among  its  ministers  to  effect  a  more  general 
union,  and  that  as  the  next  meeting  of  the  Ministerium  of 
Pennsylvania  was  to  convene  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  on  Trinity 
Sunday,  18 19, — the  same  day  on  which  the  North  Carolina 


1 6  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

Synod  was  to  meet, — it  was  necessary, — if  the  North  Caro- 
lina Synod  desired  to  take  part,  through  a  delegate  or 
delegates,  in  considering  the  propriety  of  such  a  move, — to 
convene  the  North  Carolina  Synod  sooner  than  the  consti- 
tutional time. 

Hence  it  was,  that  a  portion  of  the  ministers  of  the 
North  Carolina  Synod,  who  were  in  favor  of,  possibly,  a 
more  general  union  than  the  ministers  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Synod  contemplated,  even  of  the  different  Protestant  de- 
nominations, according  to  Rev.  Shober's  ideas  which  have 
been  already  stated,  after  some  consultation,  requested  the 
"President,  with  the  consent  of  two  or  three  ordained 
ministers  residing  in  the  vicinity,"  to  convene  the  Synod 
before  the  time  fixed  in  the  constitution.  The  interval 
between  the  time  when  the  call  was  made  and  that  of  the 
meeting,'  was  too  short  to  enable  ministers  at  a  distance  to 
reach  the  place  of  meeting.*  At  this  meeting,  Rev.  Shober 
was  elected  as  a  delegate  to  represent  the  North  Carolina 
Synod  in  the  meeting  which  took  place  in  Baltimore  in 
1 8 19.  This  meeting  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod  was 
afterwards  called  the  "untimely"  or  called  meeting. 

When  the  time  fixed  in  the  constitution  of  the  Synod 
for  its  regular  meeting,  to  which  the  previous  regular  Synod 
had  adjourned,  namely,  Trinity  Sunday,  1819,  came,  a 
minister  of  Tennessee  and  several  of  North  Carolina,  to- 
gether with  a  number  of  lay-delegates,  met  at  the  place 
appointed  for  the  meeting  of  Synod,  and  not  finding  the 
President  there,  the  minister  from  Tennessee  sent  one  of  his 
associates,  accompanied  by  one  of  the  elders  of  the  congre- 
gation, to  see  the  President,  who  was  only  several  miles 
distant  from  the  church,  with  a  written  request  that  he 
should  come  to  the  church,  in  order  that  everything  might 
be  arranged  and  done  in  a   regular,   orderly  manner.     The 


*  In  Tact,  some  of  the  ministers  knew  nothing  of  this  meeting,  or 
"untimely"  Synod,  as  it  was  afterwards  called,  until  after  it  was  all 
over. 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  1 7 

President  replied  that  he  was  not  very  well,  and  if  he  were, 
he  would  not  go,  remarking  that  the  Synod  had  been 
already  held,  and  that  there  was  no  need  for  holding  it 
over,  or  again.  He  also  commanded  his  Elders  not  to  open 
the  church  ;  yet  after  the  messengers  reasoned  with  him 
awhile  relative  to  the  matter,  he  agreed  that  the  church 
might  be  opened  for  preaching,  but  not  for  any  synodical 
business.  At  the  appointed  time  the  church  was  opened, 
and  the  regular  services  were  conducted  and  a  sermon  was 
preached,  after  which  the  Synod  met  under  several  shade 
trees  near  by,  and  there  being  three  petitions  in  due  form 
from  Rev.  David  Henkel's  congregations  presented,  earnest- 
ly requesting  his  ordination  to  the  office  of  pastor,  his  lay- 
delegates  demanding  it  in  accordance  with  the  resolution 
passed  at  the  previous  meeting  of  the  Synod,  in  which  it 
was  resolved  or  ordered,  that  he  and  a  number  of  other  can- 
didates for  the  office  of  the  ministry,  who  had  sustained 
their  examinations  and  were  approved,  should  be  ordained 
at  the  next  meeting  of  Synod,  on  Trinity  Sunday,  18 19. 
He  and  another  one  of  that  number  of  candidates  who  was 
present,  were  ordained,  in  a  regular,  orderly  manner,  ac- 
cording to  the  custom  of  the  Church  and  the  resolution  of 
the  Synod. 

But  afterwards,  it  seems,  some  of  the  ministers  who 
were  so  strongly  in  favor  of  a  general  union  among  all 
Protestant  denominations,  began  to  call  into  question  the 
validity  of  Rev.  David  Henkel's  ordination,  and  to  invali- 
date it,  whilst  they  recognized  that  of  the  other  candidate 
who  was  ordained  with  him  at  the  same  time  and  under  the 
same  circumstances.  But  the  other  party  sustained  the 
ordination  of  the  said  David  Henkel,  asserting  that  it  had 
taken  place  strictly  in  accordance  with  the  act  or  resolution 
of  the  previous  regular  Synod,  which  provided  for  its  per- 
formance on  "next  Trinity,"  18 19,  and  according  to  the 
regulations  of  the  Church.  The  opposite  party,  however, 
contended  that  the  word  "Trinity"  did  not  stand  in  con- 
nection   with    that    action    or  resolution   of  Synod   which 


1 8  HISTORY    OF    THE    EVANGELICAL 

appears  in  the  book  called  "  Luther,"  by  Rev.  G.  Shober, 
but  that  the  time  for  ordination  was  left  blank.  An  exami- 
nation of  the  book  was  demanded,  and  when  it  was  opened 
at  the  place,  the  word  Trinity  did  not  appear  at  first.  But 
some  of  those  who  vindicated  the  validity  of  the  ordination 
in  question  having  previously  detected  the  fact  that  a  little 
piece  of  blank  paper  had  been  pasted  over  the  word  Trinity, 
by  some  one  whom  they  knew  not,  after  the  book  was 
printed  and  before  it  was  distributed  or  circulated,  as  they 
presumed,  took  a  knife  and  removed  the  little  paper,  and 
the  word  Trinity  appeared  at  the  right  place,  in  connection 
with  the  act  or  resolution  of  Synod.  After  this  occurrence, 
it  is  stated,  that  very  little  more  was  said  about  the  validity 
of  that  ordination.  Some  of  these  books  are  still  in  exist- 
ence, with  the  paper  on  the  word  Trinity. 

Whilst  it  is  unpleasant  to  make  these  statements  rela- 
tive to  that  ordination,  and  whilst  there  is  no  disposition  to 
reflect  on  any  one,  fidelity  to  the  facts  demands  it. 

The  controversies  in  regard  to  doctrinal  differences 
grew  more  intense,  and  assumed  a  wider  range.  Strong 
opposition  to  the  move  for  the  organization  of  a  general 
union,  including  different  Protestant  denominations,  which 
failed  in  the  meeting  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  on  Trinity  Sunday, 
1 8 19,  and  resulted  in  the  establishment  of  the  Northern 
General  Synod,  at  Hagerstown,  Md.,  October  24,  1820, 
which  also  afterwards  met  with  opposition  on  account  of  its 
failure  to  adopt  a  well  defined  Doctrinal  or  Confessional 
Basis,  was  worked  up  and  prevailed  to  a  considerable  extent. 

The  persons  who  became  the  leaders  in  these  conflicts 
or  differences  in  doctrine  and  policy,  were  Rev.  Gottlieb 
Shober  on  the  part  of  the  unionists  and  Rev.  David  Henkel 
on  that  of  the  anti-unionists.  The  opportunity  for  the  final 
rupture  or  separation  was  furnished  during  the  meeting  of 
the  North  Carolina  Synod,  which  convened  in  I„ineolnton, 
Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina,  May  28,  1820. 

Rev.  Dr.  Bernheim  gives  the  following  description  of 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  19 

these  men  in  his  History  of  the  Lutheran  Church  in  the 
Carolinas,  pp.  441,  442,  443: 

"  Rev.  Shober  was  a  man  of  decided  opinions,  unyield- 
ing in  everything  which  he  considered  right,  as  may  be 
seen  from  a  sketch  of  his  life  in  the  Evangelical  Review, 
vol.  viii.,  pp.  41 2-414  ;  '  with  a  mind  that  knew  no  dissimu- 
lation, a  lofty  independence,  an  ardent  temper,  and  a 
character  decidedly  affirmative,  he  frequently  experienced 
difficulties  and  encountered  points  other  than  pleasant  in 
his  pilgrimage  through  life,  and  which  a  disposition  more 
pliant  could  have  averted.' 

"  'The  lineaments  of  his  countenance  gave  indications 
of  a  strong  and  active  mind. '  '  He  was  one  of  the  most 
active  defenders  of  (the)  General  Synod,  as  he  had  also 
been  prominent  among  its  early  founders.'  But  Rev. 
Shober  was  no  Lutheran,  he  was  a  member  of  the  Moravian 
Church,  and  never  disconnected  himself  from  communion 
with  the  same ;  he  lived  and  died  as  a  member  of  that 
Church.  This  information  the  writer  received  from  his  own 
daughter,  the  widow  of  Bishop  Herrman.  He  merely 
served  the  Lutheran  Church  in  the  capacity  of  one  of  its 
ministers,  being  the  pastor  of  several  neglected  Lutheran 
congregations  in  the  vicinity  of  his  place  of  residence, 
Salem,  N.  C.  It  may  be  readily  perceived  that  no  compro- 
mise could  be  expected  on  his  part  in  the  difficulties  which 
distracted  the  Lutheran  Church  at  that  time. 

"  Firm  as  was  the  Rev.  G.  Shober,  he  found  his  equal 
in  that  respect  in  Rev.  David  Henkel,  who,  though  a  young 
man  then,  was  equally  as  decided  and  unyielding  in  his 
opinions.  He  was  a  hard  student  and  well  educated,  not 
only  in  the  German  and  English  languages,  but  also  in 
Latin,  Greek,  Hebrew,  and  Theology,  all  of  which  he  had 
principally  acquired  by  private  study  and  close  application. 
He  was  the  best  informed  candidate  for  the  ministry  the 
North  Carolina  Synod  had  at  that  time,  and  wielded  even 
then  a  considerable  influence  in  the  Church.  It  is  not  to 
be  supposed  that  he   would   readily  yield  his   opinions   to 


20  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

others,  or  permit  himself  to  be  led  about  at  the  will  of  even 
those  who  were  older  than  himself,  when  he  believed  his 
cause  to  be  just.  In  him  the  Tennessee  Synod  had  a  cham- 
pion who  could  not  be  easily  overcqmei  j  He  had  a  mind 
that  was  clear,  active,  and  penetrating ; !  he  was  quick  in 
discerning  an  advantage,  and  not  slow  inVmaking  use  of  it. 
These  characteristics  are  gathered  prinqjjirally  from  his  own 
writings." 

When  the  North  Carolina  Synod  met  in  regular  con- 
vention, in  Iyincolnton,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina, 
May  28,  1820,  well  represented  by  ministers  and  lay-dele- 
gates, especially  of  that  State,  it  seems,  the  occasion  and 
causes  for  a  rupture  were  fully  matured,  and  the  much 
lamented  and  deplored  ..separation  took  place. 

The  unionistic  party,  it  appears,  claiming  that  they 
had  a  majority,  made  no  proposition  to  the  other  party,  to' 
investigate  and  adjust  the  difficulties  and  differences  accord- 
ing to  the  teachings  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  in  a  friendly, 
Christian  manner,  but  before  they  approached  the  other 
part}-  who  were  at  the  church,  they  sent  one  of  their  minis- 
ters to  one  of  the  ministers  of  that  party,  with  two  questions. 
The  first  one  was:  "Will  you  withdraw  from  the  Synod?" 
The  second  one  was:  "Will  you  submit  to  the  decision  of 
the  majority  of  the  ministers  and  lay-delegates,  relative  to 
the  controversies  and  differences?"  To  these  questions  no 
decisive  reply  was  made.  He  then  went  to  the  friends  of 
his  opponent  and  asked  the  same  questions,  which  they 
answered  in  writing,  stating:  "We  will  not  withdraw  from 
the  Synod,  nor  will  we  be  ruled  by  a  majority,  but  are 
ready  and  willing  to  investigate  and  decide  every  thing 
according  to  the  teachings  of  the  Augsburg  Confession  and 
the  Constitution  of  the  Synod,  but  not  otherwise?" 

After  all  his  opponents  had  gathered  together,  he  again 
approached  them,  and  demanded  an  oral  or  verbal  answer 
to  the  same  questions.  The  questions  were  answered 
according  to  his  request.  To  this  answer,  he  replied  with 
a  defiant  mien,   in  a  domineering   tone:    "That  is  not   the 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  21 

thing.  I  only  ask,  Will  you,  or  will  you  not?"  They 
replied,  ' '  We  will  not. ' '  He  then  said  :  ' '  This  is  all  I  want 
to  know,"  and  quickly  turned  around,  and  briskly  walked 
away.  Then  he  and  his  friends  came  and  presented  the 
same  questions,  and  received  the  same  reply  as  that  givren 
before.  Their  leader  then  attempted  to  show,  that  the 
Synod  was  not  bound  to  any  fixed  or  definite  regulation, 
according  to  which  controversies  or  differences  are  to  be 
decided,  but  that  such  things  are  to  be  decided  only  accord- 
ing to  the  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  ministers  and  lay- 
delegates,  and  claimed,  that  they  had  the  majority,  and 
that  it  is  reasonable  and  just,  that  their  opponents  should 
be  thus  governed  in  these  matters,  but  the  other  party  con- 
tended, that  the  doctrines  of  the  Augsburg  Confession, 
which  they  felt  certain  could  be  proved  to  be  in  accord  with 
the  teachings  of  the  Bible,  ought  to  be  of  greater  considera- 
tion, than  is  the  majority  of  the  votes  of  persons,  who  are 
opposed  to  the  doctrines  and  regulations  of  the  Church. 

After  a  short  interchange  of  words  of  a  similar  charac- 
ter, the  unionistic  party  went  into  the  church,  and  were 
followed  by  the  other  party.  The  President  then  delivered 
a  long  discourse  in  the  German  language,  to  show  what  he 
had  heretofore  sought  to  maintain.  •  He  was  followed  by 
the  Secretary  in  a  still  longer  one,  in  the  English  language, 
in  which  he  endeavored  to  show,  that  the  Synod  was  by  no 
means  bound,  to  act  according  to  the  Constitution  or  Reg- 
ulation of  the  Synod ;  and,  notwithstanding  the  fact,  that 
he  himself  had  compiled  the  work  and  had  it  printed, 
according  to  resolution  and  the  approbation  of  the  Synod, 
he  still  contended,  that  it  was  not  the  intention,  that  it 
should  be  a  rule  or  standard,  according  to  which  the  mem- 
bers of  Synod,  should  be  governed  in  their  transactions. 
He  claimed,  that  it  was  only  a  kind  of  plan  or  form,  which, 
in  the  course  of  time,  if  deemed  necessary,  in  the  future, 
might  be  formed  or  arranged  into  a  rule  of  order,  but  for 
the  present,  no  one  needs  any  thing  of  the  kind. 

But  the  other  party  showed  from  the  Church  Regula- 


22  HISTORY    OF    THK    EVANGELICAL 

tion  itself,  that  it  was  accepted  as  such  a  work,  having  been 
first  examined  by  a  committee  of  ministers  appointed  by 
Synod,  and  favorably  recommended,  and  afterwards  ap- 
proved by  Synod,  and  handed  over  for  publication. 

In  regard  to  this,  he  replied,  that  it  was  not  so  intended, 
and,  that,  for  the  want  of  time,  he  had  written  it  hurriedly 
and  inconsiderately,  without  previously  investigating  it 
properly  ;  hence,  every  thing  must  now  be  regulated  and 
determined  by  the  majority. 

The  other  party  regarded  that  construction  of  the  mat- 
ter as  very  singular  and  unsatisfactory,  in  view  of  the  fact, 
that  the  work  was  published,  on  the  order  and  approbation 
of  the  Synod,  and  that  an  amount  of  money  sufficient  to 
pay  for  printing  and  Binding  1,500  copies  of  the  work,  at  a 
cost  of  75  cents   per  copy,  was   taken  out   of  the  Treasury. 

The  controversy  now  turned  more  directly  to  differences 
in  doctrine.  Some  of  the  unionistic  party  called  into  ques- 
tion, and  even  denied,  some  of  the  doctrines  clearly  taught 
in  the  Augsburg  Confession  ;  while  on  the  other  hand,  the 
other  party  defended  the  teachings  of  said  Confession  with 
zeal  and  earnestness. 

In  the  midst  of  the  discussion  of  these  subjects,  so 
vitally  important,  one  of  the  officers  of  the  Synod,  who  was 
so  enthusiastic  in  regard  to  his  idea  of  a  general  union, 
exclaimed:  "  Whoever  is  a  right  Lutheran,  let  him  follow 
us  out  to  J.  H.'s  hotel," — this  was  John  Harry's  hotel,— 
"there  we  will  begin  our  Synod  !"  A  reply  came  from  the 
other  side:  "Whoever  is  a  real  fanatic"  (Schwarmer),  "let 
him  follow  ;  for  you  are  no  true  Lutheran  preachers  ;  you 
are  fanatics,  and  to  such  you  belong."  They  then  left  the 
church  and  went  to  the  hotel,  leaving  the  other  party  in 
the  church,  and  there  commenced  their  Synod.* 


It  is  hardly  just  to  conclude  that  all  those  who  followed  out  were 
111  full  sympathy  with  this  move  ami  the  doctrines  of  the  leader,  but 
were  carried  along  rather  by  the  force  of  circumstances  and  their 
situations. 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  23 

Those  who  remained  in  the  church,  after  some  delib- 
eration and  consultation,  adjourned;  and,  on  the  17th  of 
July  of  the  same  year,  they,  with  others,  met  again  in 
Solomon's  Church,  Cove  Creek,  Green  County,  Tennessee, 
to  organize  a  synod  according  to  the  teachings  and  doc- 
trines of  the  Church. 

These  statements  and  historical  facts  are  derived  from 
the  Minutes  of  the  first  meeting  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Tennessee  Synod,  which  were  not  printed  till  1821,  and 
from  intelligent  men  of  irreproachable  character  and  stand- 
ing, who  were  present  and  witnessed  the  whole  procedure. 

The  chief  doctrines  about  which  these  conflicting  par- 
ties differed  were,  first,  in  regard  to  Original  Sin  ;  second, 
The  Person  and  Nature  of  Christ;  third,  Baptism;  fourth, 
The  Lord's  Supper;  and  strange  as  it  may  seem,  'these  very 
differences  still  occasionally  crop  out  in  some  sections  of 
the  Church.  So  deeply  was  that  Pietistical  element  infused, 
that  it  has  required  much  time  and  patience,  and  still  re- 
quires much  vigilance,  to  keep  it  from  coming  to  the  surface 
too  frequently. 

It  is  true,  efforts  have  been  made  to  make  it  appear  that 
personal  difficulties  were  among  the  first  causes  which  gave 
rise  to  the  rupture.  The  facts  will  not  justify  such  a  con- 
clusion. For  these  did  not  occur  till  after  many  of  the 
conflicts  in  regard  to  differences  in  doctrine  and  practice 
had  taken  place  and  been  agitated.  The  truth  is,  the  per- 
sonal matters  referred  to  by  some  were  not  between  minis- 
ters, but  between  one  minister  and  a  member  of  the  German 
Reformed  Church.  That  idea  seems  rather  to  grow  out  of 
an  after-thought,  to  palliate. 


24  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL. 


CHAPTER  II. 

The  organization  and  name  of  the  synod. 

First  Session. 

An  open  rupture  having  taken  place,  on  account  of  dif- 
ferences in  doctrine  and  practice,  in  the  North  Carolina 
Synod,  at  its  meeting  in  Lincolnton,  Lincoln  County,  North 
Carolina,  May  28,  1820,  and  those  who  advocated  and  favor- 
ed the  new-measure,  unionistic  policy,  having  withdrawn 
from  the  church,  as  indicated  in  the  preceding  chapter  of 
this  work,  the  others,  who  had  determined  to  adhere  closely 
to  the  doctrines  and  principles  of  the  Church,  as  set  forth  in 
her  Confessional  Writings,  after  some  consultation  and  de- 
liberation, adjourned,  and  with  others,  afterwards,  met  in 
Solomon's  Church,  Cove  Creek,  Green  County,  Tennessee, 
July  17,  1820,  to  organize  a  conference  or  synod,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  teachings,  doctrines,  and  policy  of  the  Word 
of  God,  as  set  forth  in  the  Confessions  of  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Church.  This  was  a  time  for  serious  considera- 
tion, meditation,  and  prayer. 

The  following  ministers  and  lay-delegates  were  present, 
on  that  occasion  :  Revs.  Jacob  Zink,  of  Washington  County, 
Virginia  ;  Paul  Henkel,  of  New  Market,  Shenandoah  Coun- 
ty, Virginia  ;  Adam  Miller,  of  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee; 
Philip  Henkel,  of  Green  County,  Tennessee ;  George  Est- 
erly  (Easterly),  of  Green  County,  Tennessee  ;  and  David 
Henkel,  of  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina,  who,  although 
he  could  not  be  present  in  person,  acquiesced  in  the  object 
of  the  meeting,  and  was  recognized  as  a  member.  The  lay- 
delegates  representing  congregations  were,  from  Emmanuel 
Church,  Washington  County,  Tennessee,  John  Keicher  and 
Conrad  Keicher  ;  from  Union  Church  in  the  same  County 
and  State,  Michael  Kapp  ;  from  Jacob's  Church,  Green 
County,    Tennessee,    John    Nehs    (Neas),    John    Ottinger, 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  25 

Philip  Esterly,  and  John  Renner ;  from  Sinking  Spring 
Church,  in  the  same  County  and  State,  John  Bauer,  Frederick 
Schaeffer,  Peter  Gabel,  and  Jacob  Hermann  ;  from  Solomon's 
Church,  Cove  Creek,  same  County  and  State,  Frederick 
Gottschall,  John  Koch,  Philip  Ebert,  and  John  Froschaur  ; 
from  three  congregations  in  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee, 
Henry  Herchelroth  and  Jacob  Deck  ;  from  Golden  Spring 
Church,  Green  County,  Tennessee,  Nicholas  Eley  and 
George  Boessinger. 

The  meeting  was  opened  in  a  regular,  churchly  man- 
ner, with  singing  and  prayer. 

After  the  adoption  of  the  following  basis  and  regula- 
tions, an  organization  was  effected,  under  the  name  and 
title  of  the  Evangelical  German  Lutheran  Tennessee  Con- 
ference or  Synod : 

Basis  and  Regulations. 

1.  It  is  deemed  proper  and  useful,  that  all  the  business 
and  work,  which  may  come  before  this  Conference  or  Synod, 
shall  be  transacted  in  the  German  language ;  and  all  the 
written  proceedings  in  regard  to  its  transactions,  which 
pertain  to  the  general  interest,  shall  be  published  in  the 
German  language.* 

2.  All  teachings  relative  to  the  faith,  and  all  doctrines 
concerning  Christian  conduct,  as  well  as  all  books  publicly 
used  in  the  Church  in  the  service  or  worship  of  God,  shall 
be  arranged  and  kept,  as  nearly  as  it  is  possible  to  do,  in 
accordance  with  the  doctrines  of  the  holy  Scriptures  and 


*The  reason  why  we  desire  an  entirely  German  Conference,  is 
because  we  have  learned  from  experience,  that  a  conference,  in  which 
both  languages,  the  German  and  the  English,  are  used,  the  one  or  the 
other  side  will  be  dissatisfied.  If  the  German  is  used,  the  English 
will  understand  little,  and  often  nothing  in  regard  to  the  matter  ;  and 
if  the  English  is  employed,  many  of  the  Germans  will  not  understand 
more  than  the  half  of  what  is  said,  and  hence  know  not  how  to  act 
relative  to  the  most  weighty  matters.  Besides,  at  the  present  time, 
we  find  very  few  entirely  English  preachers  who  accept  the  doctrines 
of  our  Church,  or  desire  to  preach  them. 


26  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

the  Augsburg  Confession.  And  especially  shall  the  young, 
and  others  who  need  it,  be  instructed  in  Luther's  Small 
Catechism,  according  to  the  custom  of  our  Church,  hitherto. 
This  said  Catechism  shall  always  be  the  chief  catechism 
in  our  churches.  But  the  Catechism  styled  the  Christian 
Catechism,  which  was  published  in  the  German  and  En- 
glish languages,  in  New  Market,  Shenandoah  County, 
Virginia,  may  also  be  used  in  connection,  to  explain  Lu- 
ther's Catechism. 

3.  No  one  can  be  a  teacher  or  otherwise  an  officer  in 
the  Church,  who  has  not  been  received  into  the  congrega- 
tion, according  to  the  order  of  the  Church,  and  does  not 
lead  a  Christian  life.  Whoever  desires  to  be  a  teacher, 
shall  also  take  a  solemn  obligation,  that  he  will  teach 
according  to  the  Word  of  God  and  the  Augsburg  Confession 
and  the  doctrines  of  our  Church.  Nor  can  any  teacher  in 
our  Conference  be  allowed  to  stand  in  connection  with  any 
organization  in  connection  with  the  so-called  Central  or  Gen- 
eral Synod,  for  reasons  which  shall  hereafter  be  indicated. 

4.  None  shall  be  members  of  our  churches,  except  such 
as  have  been  baptized  according  to  the  command  of  Christ, 
and  confirmed,  by  the  imposition  of  hands,  according  to 
the  order  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  participate  in  the 
celebration  of  the  Holy  Supper.* 

5.  As  to  the  ranks  and  grades  in  the  office  of  teaching, 
or  the  ministry,  we  acknowledge  not  more  than  two  as  nec- 
essary for  the  preservation  and  perpetuation  of  the  Church  ; 
namely,  Pastor  and  Deacon.  Pastor  is  an  evangelical 
teacher,  who  executes  that  office  fully  in  all  its  parts,  or 
performs  all  the  ministerial  acts.  Such  person  must  be  or- 
dained with  prayer  and  the  imposition  of  hands,  by  one  or 
more  pastors,   to  such  office.     Besides,  he  must  then  also 


*If,  however,  any  one,  who  has  been  baptized  according  to  the 
command  of  Christ,  and  confirmed  to  some  Christian  Church,  and  can 
make  this  appear,  desires  to  commune  with  us,  or  to  be  received  into 
connection  with  our  Church,  he  shall  be  permitted  to  do  so,  without 
being  re-baptized  or  re-confirmed. 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  27 

solemnly  affirm,  that  he  will  faithfully,  according  to  the 
Word  of  God  and  the  doctrines  of  our  Church,  perform  the 
duties  of  that  office. 

6.  A  Deacon  is  also  indeed  a  servant  in  the  Word  of 
God  ;  but  he  is  not  fully  invested  with  the  ministerial  office 
like  the  Pastor  is.  But  he  is  to  give  instructions  in  the 
catechism,  read  sermons,  attend  to  funerals,  admonish,  and, 
if  desired,  in  the  absence  of  the  Pastor,  to  baptize  children. 
He  must  be  an  orderly  member  of  the  Church,  and  have 
the  evidence  of  a  Christian  conduct.  He  must,  at  the  de- 
sire of  the  church  council,  be  examined  as  to  his  fitness 
for  office  by  the  Synod,  and  if  he  is  found  qualified,  he  must 
be  consecrated  and  ordained  to  that  office  with  prayer  and 
the  imposition  of  hands,  by  one  or  more  pastors,  either  at 
Conference  or  in  one  of  the  congregations  in  which  he 
labors.  Besides,  he  shall  also  make  a  solemn  affirmation, 
in  the  presence  of  the  whole  congregation,  that  he  will 
faithfully  serve  in  that  office  according  to  the  instructions 
given  him.  But  if  such  Deacon  prove  so  industrious  or 
assiduous  in  his  office  as  to  reach  the  required  attainments 
and  qualifications  to  bear  the  office  of  Pastor,  and  secures 
a  regular  call  from  one  or  more  vacant  congregations,  he 
can  be  consecrated  and  ordained  to  the  office  of  Pastor  in 
the  same  manner  as  already  indicated. 

In  regard  to  the  offices  in  the  congregations,  they  shall 
be  as  they  were  heretofore  customary  in  our  Church  :  Elders, 
Deacons,  &c. 

7.  At  each  Conference,  pastors  shall  be  named  or  elect- 
ed who  shall  conduct  the  ordinations,  and  sign  with  their 
own  hands  all  ordination  certificates  and  affix  their  seals, 
and  see  that  good  order  is  maintained.  They  shall  also 
sign  all  other  proceedings  of  the  Conference  or  Synod ;  and 
if  for  any  reason  it  is  desired,  all  the  other  pastors  and  the 
lay-delegates  may  also  sign  them.  The  preachers  and  lay- 
delegates  may  find  it  good  or  useful  to  appoint  or  name  one 
of  the  pastors  as  chairman,  who  shall  read  all  that  is  neces- 
sary, make  propositions,   &c.     In  the  same    manner    may 


28  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

one  be  appointed  as  secretary.  But  it  is  not  to  be  under- 
stood that  these  must  serve  in  these  positions  throughout 
all  the  sessions.  Changes  can  be  made,  and  others  can 
serve,  as  circumstances  require. 

8.  It  was  resolved,  that  annually,  on  the  third  Sunday 
of  the  month,  October,  a  meeting  of  Conference  shall  be 
held,  in  the  State  of  Tennessee,  or  in  the  western  part  cf 
Virginia,  at  such  place  as  the  majority  of  the  preachers  and 
lay-delegates  indicate.  But  if  it  should  be  deemed  neces- 
sary that  the  said  Conference  should  meet  in  an  adjoining 
State,  it  may  be  held  in  such  State.  But  the  Conference 
or  Synod  shall  always  retain  the  name  Tennessee  Confer- 
ence or  Synod ;  although  it  may  have  ministers  and  lay- 
delegates  also  in  other  States. 

9.  The  Conference  shall  be  composed  of  preachers  and 
lay-delegates  elected  by  their  congregations,  as  has  been  the 
order  heretofore,  in  similar  cases  ;  but  there  shall  not  be 
more  votes  cast  by  the  lay-delegates,  than  the  number  of 
preachers  present  is.  The  surplus  delegates  may  be  pres- 
ent, and  consult  and  advise  with  the  others. 

10.  The  necessity  for  each  congregation  to  have  a 
treasury  for  itself,  in  which  to  deposit  all  the  money  that 
each  member  or  other  person  may  freely  give,  will  manifest 
itself  to  all.  Such  moneys  shall  be  used  to  defray  the  cost 
of  printing  the  minutes  of  the  Conference,  to  aid  traveling 
ministers,  and  for  other  purposes  which  will  best  enhance 
the  interests  of  the  churches  or  congregations.  The  way 
and  manner,  in  which  these  treasuries  are  to  be  kept,  and 
the  disbursements,  are  to  be  made,  are  to  be  left  to  the  good 
judgment  of  the  church  councils  and  the  ministers  acquies- 
cing. The  moneys  may  be  gathered  at  every  meeting,  each 
month,  or  every  three  months.  At  every  meeting  of  Con- 
ference, the  council  of  each  church  shall  make  a  report  of 
the  amounts  thus  collected.  A  treasury  for  the  Conference, 
is,  at  this  time,  deemed  unnecessary. 

11.  It  will  be  found  useful  for  every  minister  to  keep  a 


XTDTHERAN   TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  29 

record  of  the  number  he  baptizes,  the  number  of  confirma- 
tions, and  of  communicants  and  funerals,  as  well  as  of  the 
German  schools  in  his  congregations,  so  that  they  may  ap- 
pear in  the  proceedings  of  the  Conference  each  year. 

12.  We  also  deem  it  of  the  highest  importance  to  use 
all  possible  diligence  to  make  our  children  acquainted  with 
all  our  doctrines  in  faith,  in  the  German  language  ;  so  that 
we  may  the  more  easily  give  them  instruction  therein ;  and 
so  that  the  parents  especially  may  be  careful  to  teach  their 
children  in  regard  to  these  things. 

13.  None  of  the  teachers  of  our  Conference  can  take  a 
seat  and  vote  in  the  present  Synod  of  the  State  of  North 
Carolina,  because  we  cannot  regard  it  as  a  true  Lutheran 
Synod. 

14.  The  propriety  of  preserving  and  maintaining  these 
principles  and  regulations  of  Conference,  as  here  set  forth, 
and  of  acting  according  to  them,  must  be  apparent  to  all. — 
But  if,  at  any  meeting  in  the  future,  anything  may  be  nec- 
essary, to  be  added,  it  may  be  done,  by  a  majority  of  the 
votes,  but  in  such  a  manner  as  not  to  come  in  conflict  with 
the  design  and  intention  of  the  foregoing  principles. 

The  name  Tennessee  was  not  intended  to  indicate 
boundary,  but  to  distinguish  this  Conference  or  Synod 
from  other  Synods  already  in  existence ;  as,  the  Pennsylva- 
nia Synod,  the  New  York,'  the  Maryland,  the  North  Caro- 
lina, and  the  Ohio  Synods,  and  especially  the  North 
Carolina  Synod.  This  is  evident  from  statements  in  its 
own  proceedings,  where  it  is  said,  "If  it  become  necessary, 
this  Conference  or  Synod  may  be  held  in  adjoining  States. 
Again,  in  the  proceedings  of  its  eighth  session,  in  1827, 
during  which  its  basis  was  revised  and  improved,  to  make 
it  more  clear  and  simple,  it  is  stated,  "This  body  shall 
continue  to  bear  the  title  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee 
Synod.  But  this  title  shall  not  be  so  construed  as  to  give 
the  members  who  reside  in  Tennessee  any  prerogatives  or 
advantages  over  others  ;  for  this  body  consists  for  the  most 
part  of  members  in  other  States ;  but  it  shall  bear  this  title 


30  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

simply  to  distinguish  it  from  the  North  Carolina  Synod, 
which  belongs  to  the  General  Synod."  See  Minutes  of 
1827;  page  22. 

At  first  the  German  language  alone  was  used  in  the 
transactions  of  the  Synod,  in  view  of  the  fact  that  nearly  all 
the  ministers,  as  well  as  a  large  portion  of  the  lay-members, 
at  that  time,  used  that  language.  At  a  later  date  the 
English  language  was  introduced. 

Thus,  after  agreeing  on  a  basis  and  regulations,  the 
Conference  proceeded  to  the  transaction  of  such  other  busi- 
ness as  was  deemed  necessary. 

It  then  set  forth  its  reasons  for  organizing  this  Synod. 
These  reasons  are  based  chiefly  on  the  differences  in  doc- 
trine, as  already  indicated  in  the  first  chapter  of  this  work. 
Then  follows  a  Dissertation  on  Holy  Baptism,  relative  to 
the  differences  between  the  conflicting  parties,  in  regard  to 
that  subject. 

In  its  proceedings,  appears  also  the  constitution  or  plan 
of  the  General  Synod,  accompanied  with  objections  to,  and 
criticisms  on,  every  article.  Then  follows  a  paper,  signed 
by  several  Evangelical  Lutheran  ministers,  of  the  State  of 
Ohio,  and  others,  showing  why  they  cannot  endorse  or 
adopt  the  plan  or  constitution  of  the  General  Synod.  And 
finally,  appears  the  Unaltered  Augsburg  Confession,  in  its 
twenty-eight  articles,  in  the  German, — perhaps,  among  the 
first  editions,  if  not  the  first  edition,  ever  printed  in  the 
United  States,  in  the  German  language,  in  its  twenty-eight 
articles. 

Among  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting,  we  note  the 
following  : 

1.  A  resolution,  making  it  the  duty  of  one  of  the  older 
ministers  of  that  body,  annually  to  visit  all  the  congrega- 
tions in  its  connection,  in  order  to  look  into  their  condition, 
and  to  give  wholesome  instructions  to  the  younger  teachers 
or  ministers  and  their  congregations,  as  well  as  cordial  ad- 
monitions, and  to  report  the  result  of  his  visits  to  the  next 
meeting  of  Synod. 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  3 1 

2.  In  regard  to  a  petition  from  a  number  of  persons 
residing  in  Cape  Cheredo,  Missouri,  asking  a  visit  on  the 
part  of  one  of  the  ministers,  it  was  resolved,  that  Rev.  Jacob 
Zink  visit  that  section  as  soon  as  possible  and  administer 
to  their  spiritual  wants. 

3.  That  the  next  meeting  of  this  Conference  be  held 
in  one  of  Rev.  Adam  Miller's  congregations,  in  Sullivan 
County,  Tennessee,  beginning  on  the  third  Sunday  of  Oc- 
tober, 182 1. 

4.  Jacob  Zink  and  Adam  Miller  were  ordained  by  the 
imposition  of  hands  and  with  prayer. 

After  regular  services  and  preaching,  the  Conference 
adjourned  to  meet  at  the  time  and  place  indicated. 

Thus,  among  great  trials,  difficulties,  and  anxieties, 
this  Synod  was  organized,  and  took  its  position  in  the 
Church,  depending  on  its  great  Head,  to  guide  it  in  its  efforts 
to  maintain,  promulgate,  and  perpetuate  the  Scriptural, 
churchly  principles  and  doctrines  it  so  earnestly  loved,  and 
to  enable    it    to    fill   its    mission  with    honor  and    abiding 


32  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 


CHAPTER  III. 

TTS    POSITION    AND    CONFESSIONAL    BASIS. 

Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  at  the  time  this  Synod 
was  organized,  there  was  probably  not  a  Synod  in  the 
United  States  of  America  that  unreservedly  received  and 
acknowledged  the  Unaltered  Augsburg  Confession  as  its 
confessional  basis,  nevertheless  this  Synod  laid  down  the 
following  basis,  requiring  its  ministers  or  officials  in  the 
Church,  to  make  a  sacred  affirmation,' to  teach  in  accord- 
ance with  it : 

i.  All  doctrines  of  faith  and  teachings  in  regard  to 
Christian  conduct,  as  well  as  all  books  used  in  the  public 
services  of  the  Church,  shall  be  so  formulated  and  arranged 
as  to  conform,  as  nearly  as  possible,  to  the  teachings  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures  and  the  Augsburg  Confession  of  Faith. 

2.  The  young  and  others  who  need  instruction,  shall 
be  taught  from  Luther's  Small  Catechism,  according  to  the 
custom  of  our  Church.  And  this  Catechism  shall  always 
be  the  chief  catechism  in  our  Church.  The  Christian 
Catechism,  printed  at  New  Market,  Shenandoah  County, 
Virginia,  may,  however,  be  used  for  the  purpose  of  explain- 
ing Luther's  Catechism. 

3.  No  one  shall  be  a  teacher  or  an  officer  in  the  Church 
who  has  not  been  received  into  the  congregation  according 
to  the  order  of  the  Church,  and  does  not  bear  a  Christian 
character. 

4.  Whoever  desires  to  be  a  teacher,  shall  make  a  sacred 
affirmation  or  promise  that  he  will  teach  according  to  the 
Word  of  God,  the  Augsburg  Confession,  and  the  doctrines 
of  our  Church. 

5.  No  one  who  has  not  been  baptized  according  to  the 
command  of  Christ,  and  confirmed  by  the  imposition  of 
hands,  according  to  the  order  of  the  Christian  Church,  and 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  33 

partaken  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  shall  be  a  full  member  of 
our  Church. 

This  Synod  recognized,  in  its  constitution,  two  grades 
in  the  ministry, — Pastor  and  Deacon.  The  pastor  is  author- 
ized to  perform  every  ministerial  act ;  whilst  the  deacon  is 
allowed  only  to  catechise,  preach,  and  baptize. 

In  1827,  its  constitution  was  revised,  but  there  were  no 
material  changes  made  in  regard  to  its  confessional  basis,  or 
in  any  other  respect,  except  as  to  arrangement. 

In  1828,  the  constitution  appears,  in  the  proceedings, 
with  explanatory  remarks,  by  Rev.  David  Henkel,  but  with- 
out material  changes. 

In  its  revised  constitution  of  1866,  the  confessional  basis 
is  more  fully  presented,  so  as  to  express  more  clearly  its 
doctrinal  position,  as  follows  : 

1.  The  Holy  Scriptures,  the  inspired  writings  of  the 
Old  and  New  Testaments,  shall  be  the  only  rule  and  stand- 
ard of  doctrine  and  church  discipline. 

2.  As  a  true  and  faithful  exhibition  of  the  doctrines  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures  in  regard  to  matters  of  faith  and  prac- 
tice, this  Synod  receives  the  three  Ancient  Symbols :  the 
Apostolic,  Nicene,  and  Athanasian  Creeds,  and  the  Unal- 
tered Augsburg  Confession  of  Faith.  It  receives  also  the 
other  Symbolical  Books  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church, 
viz. :  The  Apology,  the  Smalcald  Articles,  the  Smaller  and 
Larger  Catechisms  of  Luther,  and  the  Formula  of  Concord, 
as  true  Scriptural  developments  of  the  doctrines  taught  in 
the  Augsburg  Confession. — Minutes  of  1866,  p.  ip. 

Constitution  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran    Tennessee  Synod. 

(As  Revised  in  1866.) 

Article  I.  The  name  of  this  Synod  shall  be  The 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod. 

Article  II.  The  Holy  Scriptures,  the  inspired  writings 
of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  shall  be  the  only  rule  and 
standard  of  doctrine  and  church  discipline. 

As  a  true  and  faithful  exhibition  of  the  doctrines  of 


34  HISTORY   OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

the  Holy  Scriptures,  in  regard  to  matters  of  faith  and  prac- 
tice, this  Synod  receives  the  three  Ancient  Symbols :  the 
Apostolic,  Nicene,  and  Athanasian  creeds ;  and  the  Unal- 
tered Augsburg  Confession  of  Faith.  It  receives  also  the 
other  Symbolical  Books  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church, 
viz.  :  The  Apology,  the  Smalcald  Articles,  the  Smaller  and 
Larger  Catechisms  of  Luther,  and  the  Formula  of  Concord — 
as  true  Scriptural  developments  of  the  doctrines  taught  in 
the  Augsburg  Confession. 

Article  III.  This  Synod  shall  be  composed  of  regu- 
larly ordained  ministers  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church, 
and  lay-delegates.  The  lay-delegates  shall  be  appointed 
by  the  congregations  in  connection  with  this  Synod  to 
represent  them  in  the  Synodical  Meetings. 

Each  one  of  these  congregations  shall  have  the  right 
to  appoint  one  such  delegate  who  shall  have  equal  rights 
and  privileges  with  the  ministers  in  transacting  the  business 
of  Synod. 

Every  minister  desiring  to  be  received  into  connection 
with  this  Synod,  shall,  on  his  reception,  be  required  .to  sub- 
scribe this  Constitution. 

No  minister  in  connection  with  this  Synod,  shall  be 
allowed  to  teach  any  thing,  nor  shall  Synod  transact  any 
business  contrary  to  the  confessional  basis  as  set  forth  in 
Article  II. 

No  business  shall  be  transacted  secretly  or  under  closed 
doors,  unless  an  unhappy  period  should  arrive,  in  which 
the  Church  would  be  liable  to  persecution,  except  such  as 
relates  to  the  moral  character  of  a  minister,  and  to  the  ex- 
amination of  candidates  for  the  ministerial  office.  Cases  of 
this  kind,  if  deemed  necessary  and  expedient,  may  be 
attended  to  in  a  private  session  of  Synod. 

Article  IV.  The  business  of  this  Synod  shall  be  to 
employ  the  proper  means  for  the  promulgation  of  the  Gospel 
of  Jesus  Christ,  to  impart  its  advice  in  matters  of  Christian 
faith  and  life,  to  detect  and  expose  erroneous  doctrines  and 
false  teachers,  and  to  investigate  charges  of  false  doctrines, 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  35 

wrong  practice,  and  immoralities  of  life,  preferred  against 
any  of  its  ministers,  and  finding  them  guilty,  to  expel  and 
depose  from  the  Synod  and  holy  office  of  the  ministry,  such 
as  refuse  after  due  admonition  to  repent  of  their  wrong. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  Synod,  as  soon  as  the  wants  of 
the  church  shall  demand,  and  its  resources  will  justify,  to 
engage  in  the  work  of  Missions,  both  domestic  and  foreign  ; 
and  also  in  the  work  of  Beneficiary  Education,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  preparing  indigent  young  men  of  talents  and  piety 
for  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  connection  with  the  Luther- 
an Church,  according  to  such  regulations  as  it  may  adopt, 
and  consider  best  calculated  to  promote  these  great  objects. 
Upon  application  to  examine  candidates  for  the  minis- 
try, this  Synod  shall  make  the  necessary  provisions  to  attend 
to  such  application,  and  after  due  approval  by  a  majority 
of  two-thirds  of  the  members  voting,  appointing  one  or  more 
Pastors  to  consecrate  such  candidate  to  the  office  of  the 
ministry  at  some  suitable  time  and  place  by  the  laying  on 
of  hands  and  prayer. 

Synod  shall  require  a  probationary  period  of  not  less 
than  one  year,  during  which  time  all  candidates  for  the 
ministerial  office  shall  be  taken  on  trial. 

Upon  application,  this  Synod  may  receive  congrega- 
tions who  may  desire  to  be  connected  with  it,  provided  they 
subscribe  this  Constitution. 

Article  V.  The  officers  of  this  Synod  shall  be  a  Presi- 
dent, Secretary,  Corresponding  Secretary,  and  Treasurer. 
A  majority  of  all  votes  cast  will  be  required  to  constitute 
an  election  to  any  office.  The  duties  of  these  officers  shall 
be  such  as  usually  devolves  upon  the  same  in  other  public 
bodies,  or  as  may  be  made  obligatory  upon  them  from  time 
to  time,  by  Synod.  They  shall  be  elected  by  ballot,  at  the 
regular  session,  annually,  and  hold  their  offices  until  their 
successors  are  elected. 

Article  VI.  Synod  shall  meet  from  time  to  time  upon 
its  own  adjournments.  Extra  sessions  may  be  called  by 
the  President,  when  requested  for  good  and  sufficient  rea- 


36  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

sons,  to  do  so,    by   two   ministers  and   two  laymen  in   its 
connection. 

Article  VII.  Synod  may  at  any  regular  meeting,  by 
a  concurrence  of  two-thirds  of  all  the  members  present, 
make  such  regulations  and  by-laws  as  may  be  deemed  nec- 
essary, not  inconsistent  with  this  Constitution. 

Article  VIII.  If  anything  contained  in  these  articles 
should  hereafter  be  deemed  contrary  to  the  Confessional 
Basis  of  this  Synod,  oppressive,  or  inexpedient,  it  may  be 
altered  or  amended.  But  nothing  contained  in  this  Consti- 
tution shall  be  altered  or  amended  unless  a  proposition  for 
alteration  or  amendment  shall  have  been  laid  before  one  of 
the  sessions  of  Synod,  in'  writing,  and  agreed  to  by  two- 
thirds  of  all  the  members  voting.  The  proposition  thus 
agreed  to,  shall  then  be  laid,  in  due  form,  by  the  Synod  in 
its  Minutes  before  the  congregations  in  its  connection,  for 
ratification  or  rejection  by  them  ;  and  the  ministers  or  ves- 
tries of  these  congregations  shall,  at  some  suitable  time, 
before  the  next  succeeding  session  of  Synod,  take  the  vote 
of  these  congregations,  on  the  Constitution  as  amended, 
allowing  the  members  to  vote  for  its  ratification  or  rejection 
and  send  a  statement  of  the  vote  to  that  session  of  Synod. 
If,  then,  it  shall  be  ascertained  by  Synod  that  a  majority  of 
these  congregations  have  voted  in  favor  of  ratification,  the 
amendment  shall  become  and  be  declared  by  Synod  on  the 
face  of  its  Minutes  a  valid  part  of  said  Constitution,  and 
the  parts  thereof  repugnant  to  such  alteration,  void. 

Thus,  it  seems,  this  Synod,  after  accepting  and  adopt- 
ing the  true  Scriptural  basis,  as  set  forth  in  the  Confessions 
and  authorized  writings  of  the  Church,  adhered  to  it,  and 
maintained  it,  in  all  its  transactions  and  operations ;  whilst 
a  large  number  of  those  who  bore  the  Lutheran  name,  as- 
sumed rather  a  loose,  vacillating,  indefinite,  compromising 
policy,  ignoring,  to  a  greater  or  less  degree,  some  of  the 
more  important  doctrines  and  teachings  of  the  Church,  and 
rather  conniving  at   the  loose,   unsettled,   unionistic  senti- 


UJTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  37 

ments,  which  prevailed  to  such  an  alarming  extent,  at  that 
time. 

This  sound,  Scriptural  position  gave  this  Synod  decided 
advantages,  having  something  fixed  and  positive,  on  which 
to  build,  and  on  which  the  mind  could  rely  with  certainty. 
The  mind  really  requires  something  fixed,  definite,  and 
positive,  on  which  it  may  rely  and  build  up.  No  institu- 
tion or  society  can  be  successfully  built  up,  and  long  main- 
tained, and  perpetuated,  on  mere  negatives  and  indefinite, 
unsettled  principles.  Even,  in  the  structure  of  a  material 
edifice,  a  good,  solid,  settled  foundation  is  required,  if  the 
building  is  to  stand  properly,  and  be  perpetuated.  It  was 
positiveness  and  definiteness,  that  gave  Luther  so  much 
force  and  success  in  the  days  of  the  Reformation  of  the  six- 
teenth century.  One  of  the  greatest  evils  of  the  present 
age,  in  regard  to  the  Church,  the  Family,  and  the  State,  is 
the  ignoring  of  the  grand,  fundamental  principles,  on  which 
these  divine  institutions  are  really  founded  and  constructed, 
and  the  loose,  latitudinarian  sentiments  which  now  prevail, 
regardless  of  fixed,  definite  principles  which  underlie  our 
ecclesiastic,  civil,  and  social  institutions. 

The  more  this  Synod  was  assailed,  abused,  and  perse- 
cuted on  account  of  its  doctrinal  position,  to  which  it  so 
closely  adhered,  and  which  it  so  fearlessly  maintained,  the 
closer  it  was  driven  to  it,  and  the  more  necessary  it  became 
for  it  to  investigate,  promulgate,  proclaim,  maintain,  and 
perpetuate  the  sound,  Scriptural  doctrines  of  the  Church, 
from  the  pulpit,  in  the  family,  and  through  the  printing 
press,  assured,  that,  if  these  fundamental,  Scriptural  princi- 
ples had  power  and  vitality  enough  in  them,  to  effect  the 
grand  and  glorious  Reformation  in  the  Church,  in  the  be- 
ginning of  the  sixteenth  century,  they  might  have  a  similar 
effect  in  the  Church  in  this  century. 

The  printing  establishment,  founded  in  1806,  at  New 
Market,  Shenandoah  County,  Virginia, — the  fourth,  if  not 
the  third,  one  established  in  that  State,  was  brought  into 
requisition.     In  speaking  of  this  establishment,  Rev.  G.  D. 


38  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

Bernheim,  D.  D.,  says,  in  his  History  of  the  German  Set- 
tlements and  the  Lutheran  Church  in  the  Carolinas :  "The 
Lutheran  Church  in  America  has  had  its  publication  boards 
and  societies  in  abundance,  which  have  doubtless  accom- 
plished a  good  work  ;  but  the  oldest  establishment  of  the 
kind  is  the  one  in  New  Market,  Virginia,  which  dates  its 
existence  as  far  back,  at  least,  as  1810;  for  the  minutes  of 
the  North  Carolina  Synod  were  printed  there,  at  that  time. 
It  Was  established  by  the  Henkel  family,  and  has  continued 
under  their  management  to  this  day  ;  at  the  time  of  the 
division  in  the  Lutheran  Church  in  North  Carolina,  it  came 
at  once  into  the  service  of  the  Tennessee  Synod,  and  has 
issued  more  truly  Lutheran  theological  works  in  an  English 
dress  than  any  similar  institution  in  the  world.  '  We  may 
well  say,  What  hath  God  wrought?  How  imperceptible 
have  been  his  purposes  !  How  brightly  they  shine  forth 
now.''  Pages  445,  446.  In  regard  to  this  same  matter 
the  Herold  und  Zeitschrift,  of  January,  1888,  a  German  Lu- 
theran paper,  published  in  Allentown,  Pa.,  says,  relative 
to  this  family,  "For  sixty  or  seventy  years,  it  has  done 
more  than  any  other  to  arouse  its  brethren  in  the  faith,  in 
America,  to  a  Lutheran  consciousness." 

Numerous  publications  of  a  doctrinal,  devotional,  and 
admonitory  character  began  to  issue  from  that  printing 
establishment,  among  which  were  the  Unaltered  Augsburg 
Confession,  both  in  a  German  and  in  an  English  dress. 
At  a  later  date,  the  Christian  Book  of  Concord,  or  Symbol- 
ical Books  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  first  edition 
in  1851,  second,  revised  edition  in  1854;  Luther's  Small 
and  Large  Catechisms,  together  with  an  Historical  Intro- 
duction, to  which  are  added  Hymns  and  Prayers,  adapted 
to  Catechetical  Instruction  and  to  Family  Devotion,  trans- 
lated from  the  German,  in  1852  ;  Luther  on  the  Sacraments, 
or  the  Distinctive  Doctrines  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church,  respecting  Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper,  &c, 
in  1853;  and  Luther's  Church-Postil,  Sermons  on  the  Epis- 
tles for  the  Different  Sundays  and  Festivals  in  the  Year, 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  39 

translated  from  the  German,  in  1869,  made  their  appear- 
ance in  the  English.  Thus,  this  little,  determined,  positive 
move,  though  puny  and  insignificant  in  the  eyes  of  men, 
called  more  and  more  attention  to  the  importance  of  restor- 
ing the  Church  to  her  normal  condition  in  doctrine,  prac- 
tice, and  churchliness.  Men,  learned,  and  honest  in  their 
relations  to  the  Church,  and  having  her  true  interest  at 
heart,  began  to  take  position  in  the  right  direction,  #and 
other  good,  solid,  churchly  works  were  issued  from  other 
presses,  in  other  sections.  The  result  is  before  us.  It  is 
not  extravagant,  to  say,  that  three-fourths  of  those,  bearing 
the  name  Lutheran,  now  recognize  and  accept  the  Confes- 
sional Basis  of  the  Church. 

The  great  Head  of  the  Church  often  brings  into  use 
or  action,  weak  and  simple  means  or  instrumentalities,  to 
accomplish  great  and  important  results,  so  that  the  world 
ma}r  see,  that  the  moving  power  is  from  God,  and  not  of 
man. 

The  Gospel  "is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation," 
Rom.  1,  16.  "Not  many  wise  men  after  the  flesh,  not  manj- 
mighty,  not  many  noble,  are  called  :  But  God  hath  chosen 
the  foolish  things  of  the  world  to  confound  the  wise ;  and 
God  hath  chosen  the  weak  things  of  the  world  to  confound 
the  things  which  are  mighty." — 1  Cor.  1,  26,  27. 


4°  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE    OBJECT    OF    ITS    ORGANIZATION. 

The  chief  object  of  the  organization  of  this  Synod,  was 
the  restoration  of  the  Church  to  its  normal  condition,  in  re- 
gard to  doctrine,  practice,  and  churchliness.  This  is  evi- 
dent from  the  position  it  took,  the  basis  it  adopted,  and  the 
course  it  pursued  in  promulgating,  circulating,  and  main- 
taining the  pure,  Scriptural  doctrines  of  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Church,  according  to  her  Confessional  Writings, 
in  the  family,  in  the  catechetical  class,  from  the  pulpit, 
and  through  the  printing  press,  from  the  time  of  its  organi- 
zation to  the  present  period. 

There  was  need  for  such  a  movement.  This  appears 
from  the  condition  of  the  Church  at  that  time,  in  respect  to 
doctrine  and  practice.  In  the  language  of  Rev.  G.  D. 
Bernheim,  D.  D.,  in  his  History  of  the  German  Settlements 
and  the  Lutheran  Church  in  the  Carolinas,  so  gradual  and 
yet  so  sure  were  the  departures  from  the  confessed  faith  of 
the  Church,  as  well  as  the  assimilation  to  the  teachings 
and  practices  of  the  various  denominations,  that  for  a  long 
time  it  awakened  no  alarm,  and  but  a  learned  few  had  any 
idea  of  what  the  faith  of  the  Lutheran  Church  was ;  ad- 
mirers of  Luther  there  were  in  abundance,  even  among  the 
different  denominations,  but  very  few  knew  anything  of  the 
secret  which  made  Luther  the  conscientious,  fearless,  and 
zealous  man  that  he  was.  Multitudes  admired  Luther's 
energy  and  labors,  but  they  knew  little  of  the  faith  which 
actuated  his  efforts,  and  of  the  doctrines  upon  which  that 
faith  was  based.  Had  they  known  it,  and  experienced  it 
themselves,  more  would  have  been  accomplished  at  that 
time  in  the  Lutheran  Church  in  America,  and  divisions 
would  not  have  occurred ;  then,  also,  there  would  have 
been  less  manifest  desire  to  unite   all   denominations   into 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  4 1 

one  Church,  but  a  stronger  desire  to  advance  the  interests 
of  that  Church,  to  which  God  has  given  a  peculiar  field  of 
labor.     Pp.  444,  445. 

God  made  use  of  this  division  in  the  Church,  in  ac- 
complishing a  special  purpose  for  the  welfare  of  the  Luther- 
an Church  in  America.     P.  444. 

By  means  of  this  division  the  Symbols  of  the  Lutheran 
Church  were  translated  into  the  English  language.  This 
was  a  want  that  had  long  been  felt,  but  before  that  time  no 
one  possessed  the  patience  and  energy  to  apply  himself  to 
the  task.  There  was  an  abundance  of  anxious  desire  mani- 
fested by  some  to  make  the  Lutheran  Church  in  America 
an  English  as  well  as  a  German  Church,  but  no  anxiety 
manifested  itself  to  anglicize  the  faith  of  the  Lutheran 
Church ;  that  is,  to  translate  its  Confessions  and  theology 
into  the  English  language.  All  honor  then  to  the  Tennes- 
see Synod  for  undertaking  this  work,  which  has  accom- 
plished more  in  preserving  the  faith  of  our  fathers  in  this 
country  than  any  similar  undertaking  in  the  English 
language.  Page  445.  But  as  the  sad  and  deplorable 
condition  of  the  Church  at  that  time,  in  these  respects,  has 
been  already  fully  presented  in  the  first  chapter  of  this 
work,  there  is  no  necessity  for  a  fuller  description  of  it  in 
this  connection. 

With  a  view  to  the  accomplishment  of  this  desirable 
and  much  needed  object,  every  minister  and  teacher  was 
required  to  take  an  obligation  not  to  teach  anything  that 
is  in  conflict  with  the  confessed  doctrines  and  practices  of 
the  Church,  and  all  the  books  used  in  the  Church  were 
required  to  conform  to  these  doctrines  and  practices.  And, 
for  its  further  promotion,  quite  a  number  of  pamphlets  and 
books,  as  well  as  articles  in  connection  with  the  Minutes  of 
the  proceedings  of  the  Synod,  of  a  doctrinal,  admonitory, 
and  devotional  character,  were  printed  and  circulated. 

This  firm,  positive  course  attracted  attention,  revived 
investigation,  and  thus  exerted  a  healthful,  effective  infiu- 


42  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

ence  in  the  accomplishment  of  this  much  needed  and  im- 
portant end. 

Notwithstanding  the  conflicts  it  had  to  encounter,  the 
obstacles  it  had  to.  surmount,  the  taunts  it  had  to  hear,  and 
the  abuse  and  persecution  it  had  to  endure,  on  account  of 
its  position  in  regard  to  doctrine  and  practice,  it  still  perse- 
vered and  went  forward  with  a  zeal,  an  earnestness,  energy, 
and  fidelity  worthy  of  the  cause  it  had  espoused.  The 
leaven  had  been  infused,  and  the  true  Lutheran  spirit  re- 
vived. Its  work  soon  prospered,  and  extended  into  North 
Carolina,  then  to  Virginia,  Kentucky,  Indiana,  and  Missouri, 
and  afterwards  to  South  Carolina,  thence  to  Alabama,  &c. 
Dormant  energies  were  aroused,  the  number  of  ministers 
was  increased,  provision  was  made  to  supply  the  wants  of 
many  long-neglected  congregations,  ministers  and  laymen 
became  more  zealous,  energetic,  and  faithful  in  the  dis- 
charge of  their  respective  duties,  and  the  Church  was  thus 
increased,  strengthened,  and  edified.  The  evils  and  dis- 
asters which  were  predicted  and  deplored  by  many  who 
preferred  to  connive  at  deviations  from  the  pure  doctrines 
and  usages,  rather  than  contend  for  the  faith  once  delivered 
to  the  saints,  were  over-ruled  by  the  great  Head  of  the 
Church  for  good,  in  the  promotion  of  His  Kingdom. 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  43 


CHAPTER  V. 

ITS    WORK    AND    DEVELOPMENT. 
FIRST  DECADE. 

The  most  natural,  easy,  and  simple  way  to  present  the 
work  and  development  of  this  Synod,  is,  perhaps,  to  bring 
into  requisition  the  proceedings  as  they  appear  in  its  Min- 
utes from  its  organization  down  to  the  present  period. 

Second  Session. 

Having  already  stated  the  more  important  work  of  its 
first  meeting,  we  proceed  to  call  attention  to  its  second  con- 
vention which  took  place  in  Zion's  Church,  Sullivan  County, 
Tennessee,  October  22,  182 1,  Rev.  Adam  Miller,  pastor. 

On  Saturday  previous,  October  20,  services,  preparatory 
to  the  celebration  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  were  held,  Rev. 
David  Henkel  preaching  in  the  German  language  from 
Mark  16,  15,  16. 

On  Sunday,  October  21,  a  large  audience  having  as- 
sembled, Rev.  Adam  Miller  delivered  a  short  sermon  in  the 
German  language,  from  Matt.  22,  14.  He  was  followed  by 
Rev.  David  Henkel,  in  the  English  language,  on  Col.  2,  14. 
Rev.  Philip  Henkel  then  preached  in  the  German,  on  Luke 
22,  15-20.  The  Lord's  Supper  was  then  administered  to 
more  than  one  hundred  communicants.  Deep  solemnity 
pervaded  the  whole  congregation. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  members  who  con- 
stituted this  meeting  of  Synod :  Revs.  Paul  Henkel,  of 
Shenandoah  County,  Virginia,  Adam  Miller,  of  Sullivan 
County,  Philip  Henkel,  of  Green  County,  Tennessee,  and 
David  Henkel,  of  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina.  Rev. 
Jacob  Zink  was  absent.  Deacon  George  Easterly,  of  Green 
County,  Tennessee,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Harr,  of  Sullivan  Coun- 
ty, Tennessee,  were  present;  the  latter  as  an  applicant  for 
the  ministry. 


44  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

The  lay-delegates  were  Mr.  John  Smith  and  Daniel 
Lutz,  Esq.,  of  Lincoln  County,  and  Mr.  Peter  Boger,  of 
Cabarrus  County,  North  Carolina ;  Messrs.  Nicholas  Uely, 
Martin  Lintz,  Jacob  Leinbach,  Frederick  Schaeffer,  Jacob 
Heyl  (Hoyle),  Philip  Easterly,  of  Green  County,  Michael 
Brenner,  of  Sevier  County,  John  Santer,  Jacob  Deck,  H. 
Herchelroth,  of  Sullivan  County,  and  Conrad  Keicher,  of 
Washington  County,  Tennessee ;  and  Ambrose  Henkel,  of 
Shenandoah  County,  Virginia. 

In  the  Minutes  of  this  meeting,  the  following  described 
letters  and  petitions  appear : 

i.  A  letter  from  Rev.  Jacob  Larros,  of  Ohio,  in  which 
he  vindicates  the  doctrine  of  Holy  Baptism,  according  to  the 
Augsburg  Confession  of  Faith,  supported  by  passages  from 
the  Holy  Scriptures.  In  it  he  also  speaks  of  the  Kingdom 
of  Antichrist,  and  presents  his  objections  to  the  plan  or 
position  of  the  General  Synod. 

2.'  A  letter  from  Rev.  Antonius  Weyer,  a  member  of 
the  Lutheran  Synod  of  Ohio  and  adjacent  States,  in  which 
he  freely  presents  his  views  in  regard  to  the  General  Synod's 
system,  and  the  general  union  of  all  sects  and  parties. 

3.  A  letter  from  Rev.  Jacob  Grieson,  of  Guilford 
County,  North  Carolina,  in  which  he  manifests  his  regret, 
that  he  voted  in  favor  of  the  General  Synod,  indicating, 
that  he  did  not  properly  understand  the  matter ;  and  that 
the  result  is  not  what  he  expected  it  would  be. 

4.  Is  a  letter  from  Rev.  Henry  A.  Kurtz,  of  Kentucky, 
in  which  he  states  that  he  had  been  a  member  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Lutheran  Synod  of  Pennsylvania,  but  had  tendered 
his  resignation,  and  asks  for  assistance  to  aid  him  in  the 
formation  of  a  synod,  on  the  plan  of  the  Tennessee  Synod, 
deploring  the  innovations  which  prevail  in  some  synods. 

5.  A  letter  from  Messrs.  John  Beck,  Charles  Greim, 
Henry  Conrad,  George  Greim,  Daniel  Conrad,  Philip  Hed- 
rich,  and  Jacob  Conrad,  elders  and  members  of  several 
Lutheran  congregations  in  Rowan  County,  North  Carolina, 
in  which  they  manifest   their  steadfastness  in  our  Evangel- 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  45 

jcal  doctrines,  and  petition  for  a  minister  to  serve  them,  as 
they  are  not  satisfied  with  the  one  they  had.  In  regard  to 
this,  it  was  resolved  that  Rev.  David  Henkel  visit  them. 

6.  A  letter  from  Rev.  Daniel  Moser,  of  Lincoln  County, 
North  Carolina,  in  which  he  expresses  his  regret  that  he 
cannot  attend  this  meeting  of  Synod,  but  hopes  to  be  able 
to  be  present  at  some  other  time,  indicating  that  he  cannot 
continue  in  connection  with  the  North  Carolina  Synod 
unless  it  take  a  better  position. 

Then  follow  petitions  from  seven  congregations  in 
North  Carolina  and  Tennessee,  asking  for  ministerial  serv- 
ices, advice,  &c.  The  petitions  were  answered-  as  far  as  it 
was  possible  to  do  at  that  time.  One  of  these  congrega- 
tions, Philadelphia,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina,  peti- 
tioned for  the  examination  and  ordination  of  Mr.  Jacob 
Cassner  (Costner,)  to  the  office  of  Deacon,  but  as  Mr.  Cassner 
was  not  present,  the  matter  was  deferred  till  the  next  meet- 
ing of  Synod. 

Rev.  Adam  Miller  was  then  appointed  to  visit,  during 
the  synodical  year,  the  different  petitioners  and  congrega- 
tions in  North  Carolina  and  Virginia,  and  all  other  congre- 
gations belonging  to  the  Synod,  and  report  to  the  next 
meeting. 

Under  the  head,  ' '  General  Transactions  of  the  Synod, ' ' 
appear  resolutions,  the  substance  of  which  we  present  here  : 

1.  That  the  objections  to  the  General  Synod  be  com- 
piled and  printed.  The  committee,  appointed  to  attend  to 
this  matter,  consisted  of  Adam  Miller,  David  Henkel,  Con- 
rad Keicher,  Ambrose  Henkel,  Daniel  Lutz,  John  Smith, 
and  Peter  Boger. 

2.  That  a  circular  letter  be  addressed  to  the  brethren, 
of  Ohio,  to  inform  them  of  the  intentions  of  Synod. 

3.  On  motion  of  Rev.  Adam  Miller,  it  was  resolved, 
that  a  Liturgy  be  arranged  according  to  the  Scriptures  and 
the  Augsburg  Confession,  'that  Rev.  Paul  Henkel  be  ap- 
pointed to  attend  to  this  matter,  for  the  use  of  Synod,  as 
soon  as  practicable,   that  between  two  and  three  hundred 


46  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

copies  be  printed,  and  that  the  expenses  be  defrayed  by  the 
several  treasuries. 

4.  On  the  request  of  some  of  the  brethren  in  North 
Carolina,  it  was  resolved,  that  an  English  session  be  an- 
nually held  in  North  Carolina  or  an  adjacent  State. 

5.  On  motion  of  Rev.  Philip  Henkel,  it  was  resolved, 
that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  pastor  and  deacon,  to  reg- 
ister the  names  of  all  the  baptized  in  his  charge,  and  to 
admonish  them  to  continue  faithful  in  their  baptismal  cove- 
nant, and  to  urge  them  to  attend  the  catechetical  instructions. 

6.  On  motion  of  Peter  Boger,  it  was  resolved,  that  a 
copy  of  the  Augsburg  Confession,  as  well  as  of  the  Minutes 
of  Synod,  be  deposited  in  every  church. 

7.  On  motion  of  Rev.  David  Henkel,  a  suggestion  was 
made,  that  every  person  applying  for  ordination  to  the  office 
of  Pastor,  shall  be  required  to  understand  the  Greek  lan- 
guage well  enough  to  be  able  to  translate  the  Greek  New 
Testament  into  the  English.  This  suggestion  was  deferred 
till  next  meeting  of  Synod. 

8.  A  petition  from  St.  Paul's  School  at  St.  James'  Church, 
Green  County,  Tennessee,  was  presented,  asking  Synod  to 
make  regulations  for  its  conduct  and  government.  Conrad 
Keicher,  Paul  Henkel,  and  Philip  Easterly,  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  give  that  matter  attention,  and  report  to  the 
next  meeting  of  Synod. 

9.  It  was  resolved,  that  the  next  meeting  of  Synod 
shall  be  held  fourteen  miles  south  of  Green  Courthouse, 
Tennessee,  commencing  on  the  third  Sunday  of  October,  1822. 

10.  On  petition  of  fifteen  members  of  St.  James'  Church, 
it  was  resolved,  that  next  Maundy-Thursday  be  set  apart 
as  a  day  of  prayer  and  humiliation,  to  implore  Almighty 
God,  to  have  mercy  upon  his  Church,  in  these  perilous 
times. 

1 1 .  Revs.  Paul  Henkel  and  Adam  Miller  were  appointed 
to  examine  Mr.  Joseph  Harr.  Having  sustained  the  exami- 
nation, he  was  ordained  to  the  office  of  Deacon,  by  the 
imposition  of  hands  and  with  prayer. 


EUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  47 

The  Synod  was  then  dismissed  with  singing  and  prayer. 

The  following  is  the  Parochial  Report : 

Since  1819,  Rev.  Adam  Miller  baptized  188  infants  and 
24  adults,  and  confirmed  32  ;  Rev.  Philip  Henkel,  since 
January,  1821,  119  infants  and  10  adults,  and  confirmed  27; 
Rev.  David  Henkel,  since  July,  18 19,  444  infants  and  56 
adults,  and  confirmed  69  slaves  and  156  white  persons; 
Rev.  Paul  Henkel,  since  1820,  50  infants  and  2  adults,  and 
confirmed  20.  Revs.  George  Easterly  and  Jacob  Zink  made 
no  reports. 

In  conclusion  follows  a  long  report  of  the  committee 
appointed  to  compile  the  objections  against  the  General 
Synod,   covering  23  pages.     It  is  able,  plain,  and  critical. 

Third  Sessio?i. 

This  Synod  met,  in  its  third  session,  in  St.  James' 
Church,  Green  County,  Tennessee,  October  21,  1822. 

On  Saturday  previous,  the  congregation  having  assem- 
bled, Rev.  Paul  Henkel  preached  the  preparatory  sermon. 
He  was  followed  by  Rev.   David  Henkel,  on  Gal.  3,  15-24. 

On  Sunday,  Rev.  Adam  Miller  preached  on  the  Gospel 
for  that  day.  He  was  followed  by  Rev.  Paul  Henkel,  on 
Matt.  6,  33.  The  Lord's  Supper  was  then  administered  to 
about  140  communicants.  After  a  short  recess,  Rev.  David 
Henkel  preached  an  English  sermon  from  Titus  3,  4-7. 
During  these  services  the  house  was  filled  to  overflowing 
with  attentive  hearers. 

Monday,  the  21st,  the  Synod  was  opened  with  singing 
and  prayer.     The  following  members  were  present : 

Pastors — Revs.  Paul  Henkel,  New  Market,  Shenandoah 
County,  Virginia,  Adam  Miller,  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee, 
Philip  Henkel,  pasto?-  loci,  David  Henkel,  Lincoln  County, 
North  Carolina.     Jacob  Zink  was  absent. 

Deacons — George  Easterly,  Green  County,  Tennessee, 
and  Joseph  Harr,  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee,  were  absent, 
on  account  of  indisposition. 


4#  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

Applicants — Christian  Moretz,  Cape  Girardeau  County,. 
Missouri,  Richard  Blalock,  Burke  County,  and  Jacob  Cassner 
(Costner),  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina. 

Lay-delegates — Michael  Brenner,  St.  Jacob's  Church,, 
Sevier  County,  Jacob  Hatzepiller,  Union  Church,  Washing- 
ton County,  Conrad  Keicher,  Emmanuel  Church,  same 
County,  John  Froschauer,  Solomon's  Church,  Green  County, 
Abraham  Bock,  St.  Paul's,  Monroe  County,  George  Nehsv 
from  the  same  County,  Henry  Herchelroth,  Bueler's  Church, 
Sullivan  County,  John  Santer  and  Jacob  Deck,  Zion's 
Church,  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee ;  Ambrose  HenkeL 
from  three  congregations  in  Virginia ;  Peter  C.  Boger, 
Rocky  River  Church,  Cabarrus  County,  Jacob  Best,  Phila- 
delphia Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina ;  Joseph 
Hauf,  Golden  Spring  Church,  and  John  dinger,  Lick 
Creek  Church,  Green  County,  Tennessee  ;  Peter  Greim, 
three  congregations,  Rowan  County,  Conrad  Kramm,  Rocky 
Spring  Church,  Burke  County,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  Philip  Henkel  called  attention  to  the  ministrations 
of  Mr.  Moretz,  asking  whether  they  should  be  recognized, 
and  placed  on  record  in  the  Minutes.  The  response  was  in 
the  affirmative. 

The  following  are,  in  substance,  the  petitions  presented 
to  the  Synod : 

i.  A  petition  from  Cape  Girardeau,  Wayne,  and  Perry 
Counties,  Missouri,  signed  by  seventy  petitioners,  asking  for 
a  minister,  certifying  to  the  good  moral  character  of  Mr. 
Christian  Moretz,  and  requesting  his  ordination.  In  regard 
to  this  petition,  it  was  resolved  that  said  Moretz  be  examined. 

2.  A  petition  from  Rocky  Spring  Church,  Burke 
County,  North  Carolina,  commending  the  character  of 
Rev.  Richard  Blalock,  formerly  a  minister  of  the  Sepa- 
rate Baptist  Order,  requesting  Synod  to  receive  him  as  a 
minister.  In  regard  to  this,  it  was  resolved  that  Revs. 
Paul  Henkel  and  David  Henkel,  as  individual  ministers, 
ordain  him  as  a  Lutheran  minister,  if  found  qualified,  and 
that  as  soon  as  he  acquires  a  better  knowledge  of  the  Ger- 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  49 

man   language,    he  be   received  into  connection  with   the 
Synod. 

3.  A  petition  from  three  congregations,  Pilgrim's, 
Beck's,  and  Emmanuel's,  Rowan  County,  North  Carolina, 
expressing  their  disapproval  of  the  General  Synod,  pre- 
senting their  withdrawal,  signed  by  142  persons,  and  re- 
questing ministerial  services  from  this  Synod.  With  respect 
to  this  petition,  it  was  resolved,  that  Rev.  Paul  Henkel  visit 
them  during  the  fall,  and  that  either  Rev.  Adam  Miller  or 
Rev.  George  Easterly  visit  them  in  the  spring,  and  that  in 
the  event  the  congregations  can  agree  with  one  or  the  other 
of  the  two  latter,  he  shall  become  their  pastor. 

4.  A  communication  from  Mr.  Jacob  Aderhold,  Lincoln 
County,  North  Carolina,  suggesting  the  appointment  of  a 
suitable  person  in  each  congregation  to  attend  to  funeral 
services,  in  the  absence  of  the  pastor  or  deacon,  and  that 
some  change  be  made  in  regard  to  the  rules  relative  to 
sponsors  in  baptism. 

Relative  to  this,  it  was  resolved  that  each  congregation 
use  its  Christian  liberty  in  respect  to  these  matters,  keeping 
within  the  teachings  of  the  Augsburg  Confession. 

5.  A  petition  from  Mr.  George  Risch,  now  living  in 
Tennessee  Valley,  Haywood  County,  North  Carolina,  in 
which  he  indicates  his  constant  adherence  to  our  Church, 
and  solicits  a  visit  from  one  of  our  ministers  in  his  commu- 
nity. It  was  resolved  that  Christian  Moretz  visit  that 
section. 

6.  A  petition  from  fourteen  lay-delegates  and  one 
minister,  representing  congregations  in  Indiana  and  Ken- 
tucky, who  had  met  in  Harrison's  Church,  Nelstoi  County, 
Kentucky,  September  28,  1822,  in  which  they  solicit  Synod 
to  hold  a  session  in  their  community,  and  to  transact  such 
business  as  might  promote  the  interests  of  the  Church,  and 
in  which  they  appointed  Rev.  Philip  Henkel,  who  had 
visited  them  during  the  summer,  to  represent  their  interests 
in  reference  to  this  matter. 


50  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

In  regard  to  these  petitioners,  it  was  resolved,  that  Rev. 
Philip  Henkel  be  recognized  as  their  representative  in  ref- 
erence to  their  requests  ;  that  Revs.  Paul  Henkel  and  David 
Henkel,  and  Captain  John  Bible,  as  a  lay-delegate,  visit 
the  petitioners,  to  render  the  services  desired ;  that  such 
session  be  held  in  Brunnerstown  Church,  Jefferson  County, 
Kentucky,  commencing  on  the  third  Sunday  in  June,  1823; 
that  all  congregations  interested  in  that  meeting  have  the 
privilege  of  sending  delegates ;  that  Rev.  David  Henkel 
inform  the  petitioners  of  this  action  of  Synod ;  and  that, 
during  the  absence  of  Rev.  David  Henkel  and  that  of  Rev. 
Paul  Henkel,  on  that  mission,  Rev.  Adam  Miller  shall  visit 
the  congregations  of  the  former,  and  Rev.  Philip  Henkel 
those  of  the  latter. 

7.  A  petition  from  the  congregation  at  Coldwater, 
Cabarrus  County,  North  Carolina,  signed  by  fifteen  persons, 
asking  to  be  served  by  a  minister  of  this  Synod,  and  stating 
that  they  do  not  wish  to  stand  in  connection  with  the 
General  Synod,  nor  to  be  served  by  any  of  its  ministers. 

In  regard  to  this,  it  was  resolved,  that  Rev.  Adam 
Miller  visit  them  during  his  next  journey  to  North  Caro- 
lina, and  that  Rev.  David  Henkel  visit  them  as  often  as 
possible,  till  Synod  shall  be  able  to  make  better  arrange- 
ments to  supply  them. 

8.  A  petition  for  the  examination  of  Mr.  Jacob  Costlier 
for  the  office  of  Deacon.  It  was  resolved,  that  Revs.  Paul 
Henkel  and  Adam  Miller  examine  him  and  report  to  Synod. 

Letters  and  Communications  Received. 

The  following  is  the  substance  of  letters  and  communi- 
cations received,  read,  and  acted  on : 

1 .  A  letter  from  Rev.  Daniel  Moser,  in  which  he  states 
his  inability  to  be  present,  his  desire  that  the  next  session 
of  Synod  be  held  in  North  Carolina,  giving  assurance  that 
it  would  prove  satisfactory  to  the  people,  that  it  might  tend 
to  healing  the  breach  hitherto  existing,  and  that  Rev. 
Philip  Henkel  be  requested  to  visit  the  congregations. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  5 1 

With  respect  to  this  letter,  it  was  resolved,  that  if  Rev. 
Mr.  Moser  had  given  some  positive  information  as  to 
whether  he  has  absented  himself  from  the  General  Synod, 
Synod  could  give  him  a  more  satisfactory  answer,  but  in 
view  of  the  present  aspect  of  things,  it  can  make  no  definite 
reply,  further  than  that  it  desires  him  to  come  to  some 
decisive  conclusion  as  soon  as  possible. 

2.  A  communication,  signed  by  three  elders  and  eight 
church  members,  from  St.  Peter's  Church,  Rockingham 
County,  Virginia,  in  which  they  indicate  their  adherence 
to  this  Synod,  and  certify  the  election  of  Mr.  Ambrose 
Henkel  as  their  delegate. 

3.  A  letter  from  Rev.  Jacob  Zink,  in  which  he  states 
that  he  baptized  twenty-eight  adults  and  sixty-nine  infants 
in  the  State  of  Louisiana,  but  many  more  in  the  State  of 
Indiana, — the  exact  number  of  which  he  cannot  give  at 
this  time  ;  that  the  congregations  are  all  united  in  opposi- 
tion to  the  General  Synod ;  that  the  General  Synod  is  not 
Lutheran ;  that  the  most  of  the  people  in  Kentucky, — 
Lutherans  and  German  Reformed, — are  opposed  to  the 
General  Synod,  and  that  he  heartily  desires  to  be  present 
at  the  meeting  of  Synod,  but  is  deprived  of  this  privilege. 
Rev.  Zink's  absence  was  excused. 

4.  A  letter  from  Mr.  George  Goodman,  Cabarrus 
County,  North  Carolina,  stating,  that  he  much  desired  to 
be  in  attendance  at  the  meeting  of  Synod,  but  was  prevented 
by  important  circumstances  from  so  doing,  and  that  he 
wished  to  have  a  statement  inserted  in  the  Minutes  in  what 
respects  Synod  is  governed  by  a  majority. 

In  reply,  the  following  is  the  gist  of  the  answer:  Re- 
solved, that,  as  the  Bible  is  the  only  rule  and  standard  of 
doctrine  and  church  discipline,  and  as  the  Augsburg  Con- 
fession is  a  clear  and  correct  presentation  of  the  more  im- 
portant doctrines  and  principles  of  the  Bible,  a  majority 
have  no  right  to  decide  in  these  matters,  in  opposition  to 
these  teachings,  but  in  other  matters,  such  as  deciding  the 
time  and  place  for  meetings,  and  matters  that  do  not  come 


52  HISTORY   OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

in  conflict  with  the  aforenamed  standard,  the  majority  have 
a  right  to  decide. 

On  the  report  of  the  examining  committee,  it  was  re- 
solved, that  Mr.  Jacob  Costner  be  ordained  to  the  office  of 
Deacon  in  his  congregation,  by  Revs.  Paul  Henkel  and 
David  Henkel,  or  by  one  or  the  other  of  them, — which 
was  done. 

It  was  also  unanimously  resolved  that  examinations  of 
candidates  for  the  office  of  Pastor,  shall  be  publicly  before 
the  Synod. 

According  to  the  petition  from  Missouri,  Mr.  Christian 
Moretz  was  publicly  examined,  and  sustained  a  favorable 
examination.     He  was  then  ordained  as  a  Deacon. 

Mr.  Conrad  Keicher  asked  the  question  :  Is  slavery  to 
be  considered  as  an  evil?  In  reply,  the  Synod  unanimously 
resolved,  that  it  is  to  be  regarded  as  a  great  evil  in  our  land, 
and  it  desires  the  government,  if  it  be  possible,  to  devise 
some  way  by  which  this  evil  can  be  removed.  Synod  also 
advised  every  minister  to  admonish  every  master  to  treat 
his  slaves  properly,  and  to  exercise  his  Christian  duties 
towards  them.  This  probably  was  the  first  move  in  that 
direction  in  the  South. 

Deacon  George  Easterly  was  publicly  examined  as  to 
his  qualifications  for  the  office  of  Pastor,  and  having  sus- 
tained a  favorable  examination,  was  ordained  to  that  office, 
Rev.  David  Henkel  preaching  a  suitable  ordination  sermon 
on  the  occasion. 

It  was  resolved,  that  Rev.  Adam  Miller's  journal  of  his 
last  summer's  travels,  be  appended  to  the  Minutes. 

Synod  approved  the  objections  compiled  by  the  com- 
mittee, appointed  at  the  last  year's  session,  in  opposition  to 
the  constitution  of  the  General  Synod. 

In  regard  to  the  suggestion  made  at  the  previous  ses- 
sion, that  every  applicant  for  the  office  of  Pastor  must  be 
acquainted  with  the  Greek  language,  it  was  resolved,  that, 
as  the  opportunities  for  acquiring  such  knowledge,  are  not 
always  accessible,  the  S3mod,  whilst  it  regards  such  knowl- 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  53 

edge  as  highly  useful,  cannot,  at  this  time,  demand  such  re- 
quirement. 

It  was  resolved,  that  Synod  meet  in  Sinking  Spring 
Church,  eleven  miles  west  of  Greenville,  Tennessee,  on  the 
third  Sunday  in  October,  1823. 

In  regard  to  the  action  taken  at  the  last  session  relative 
to  St.  Paul's  School,  Tennessee,  the  matter  was  referred  to 
a  society  to  be  soon  organized  for  that  purpose. 

Synod  agreed  to  patronize  the  printing  of  Dr.  Luther's 
Sermon  Book. 

The  following  is  the  Parochial  Report : 

Rev.  Jacob  Zink  baptized  69  infants  and  28  adults  ; 
Rev.  David  Henkel,  182  infants  and  16  adults,  and  confirm- 
ed 32  slaves  and  47  white  persons  ;  Rev.  Philip  Henkel, 
107  infants  and  14  adults  and  1  slave,  and  confirmed  74  ; 
Rev.  Paul  Henkel,  66  infants  and  5  adults,  and  confirmed 
36  ;  Deacon  C.  Moretz,  29  infants  ;  Deacon  George  Easterly, 
7  infants  and  1  adult ;  Rev.  Adam  Miller,  89  infants  and  8 
adults.     Rev.  Joseph  Harr,  no  report. 

Fourth  Session. 

In  its  fourth  convention,  this  Synod  met  in  Sinking 
Spring  Church,   Green  County,  Tennessee,  October,    1823. 

On  Saturday,  Rev.  George  Easterly  preached  from  Acts 
2,  38-40,  and  Rev.  Philip  Henkel  from  Eph.  2,  8.  The 
sen-ices  were  well  attended. 

On  Sunday,  Rev.  David  Henkel  based  his  sermon  on 
1  Cor.  11,  23-29.  The  Lord's  Supper  was  then  adminis- 
tered to  81  communicants  ;  after  which  Rev.  David  Henkel 
preached  again,  on  the  text  John  1,  14.  During  these  serv- 
ices the  audiences  were  large  and  appreciative. 

Monday,  October  20,  the  members  of  Synod  having 
assembled,  the  Synod  was  opened  with  singing  and  prayer, 
followed  by  a  kind,  brotherly  address,  indicating  the  chief 
object  of  the  meeting. 

The  ministers  present  were,  Revs.  Philip  Henkel, 
Green    County,    Tennessee,    George    Easterly,   pastor   loci. 


54  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

David  Henkel,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina ;  Rev.  Paul 
Henkel  rendered  an  excuse  for  absence,  on  account  of  in- 
disposition,— he  was  excused, — Rev.  Adam  Miller  sent  a 
letter  showing  his  desire  to  be  present,  but  indicating 
the  cause  of  his  absence,  as  resulting,  from  the  extent  of  his 
visitations,  which  prevented  him  from  being  able  to  reach 
the  place  of  Synod,  in  time.  He  was  excused.  Rev.  Zink 
was  also  absent. 

Deacons — Christian  Moretz,  of  Missouri,  and  Jacob 
Costner,  of  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina.  Joseph  Harr 
departed  this  life  since  the  last  meeting.  We  have  been 
unable  to  find  any  obituary  notice  in  regard  to  him. 

Lay-delegates — Messrs.  Frederick  Schaeffer,  place  of 
meeting,  Henry  Meyer,  Golden  Spring  Church,  Green 
County,  Henry  Long,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Knox  County, 
George  Schaeffer,  Zion's  Church,  Sullivan  County,  John 
Maurer,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Monroe  County,  John  Keicher, 
Emmanuel  Church,  Adam  Herrmann,  Union  Church, 
Washington  County,  Daniel  Olinger,  Bethesda  Church, 
Green  County,  Tennessee  ;  George  Goodman,  of  North  Car- 
olina ;  Ambrose  Henkel,  Shenandoah  County,  Virginia ; 
Emanuel  Permann,  Solomon's  Church,  Green  County,  Con- 
rad Easterly,  St.  Jacob's  Church,  Green  County,  Jacob 
Wiszler,  Washington  County,  and  Michael  Brenner,  St. 
Jacob's  Church,  Sevier  County,  Tennessee. 

i.  The  proceedings  of  the  last  year's  session  were  read. 
Rev.  David  Henkel  stated,  that,  up  to  this  time,  he  had 
not,  on  account  of  certain  circumstances,  ordained  Richard 
Blalock  to  the  office  of  the  ministry,  according  to  the  resolu- 
tion passed  at  the  previous  session. 

2.  In  regard  to  the  meeting  held,  last  summer,  in  Nel- 
son County,  Kentucky,  a  printed  paper  was  read.  The 
Synod  expressed  its  entire  approbation  with  the  result,  and 
recognized  the  members  of  Harrison's  Church,  Nelson  Coun- 
ty, Kentucky,  and  those  who  met  with  them  in  that  meet- 
ing, as  brethren,  giving  assurance,  that,  as  far  as  possible, 


UJTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  55 

it  will  care  for  them,  and  indicating  regret,  that  Rev.  Paul 
Henkel,  on  account  of  sickness,  could  not  be  at  that  con- 
ference. 

3.  It  was  resolved,  that  all  who  applied  for  ministerial 
services  from  this  Synod,  be  supplied  as  far  as  possible.  It 
was  also  stated,  that  Rev.  Paul  Henkel  visited  the  three 
congregations,  which  had  applied  for  sendees,  and  preached 
for  them,  baptized  their  children,  instructed  their  catechu- 
mens, and  administered  them  the  Lord's  Supper,  last  fall. 

4.  In  regard  to  the  resolution  passed  at  the  last  year's 
session,  relative  to  the  circulation  of  Luther's  Writings,  as 
fast  as  possible,  it  was  stated,  that  three  of  Luther's  Ser- 
mons were  already  printed,  and  can  be  obtained  at  Dr. 
Solomon  Henkel's  printing  establishment,  New  Market, 
Shenandoah  County,  Virginia. 

The  Parochial  Report  presented  is  as  follows  : 
Rev.  Philip  Henkel  baptized  87  infants  and  12  adults, 
and  confirmed  50  white  persons  ;  Rev.  George  Easterly,  52 
infants  and  5  adults,  and  confirmed  13  white  persons  ;  Rev. 
David  Henkel,  159  infants  and  2  adults,  and  confirmed  7 
slaves  and  57  white  persons  ;  Rev.  Christian  Moretz,  87  in- 
fants and  9  adults;  Rev.  Adam  Miller,  100  infants  and  12 
adults,  and  confirmed  6  slaves  and  12  white  persons. 
The  following  petitions  were  received  and  read  : 

1.  A  petition  from  Keinadt's  (Koiner's)  Church,  Au- 
gusta County,  Virginia,  in  which  they  state,  that  they  have 
no  regular  minister  at  this  time,  in  consequence  of  the  fact 
that  they  do  not  desire  a  minister  from  the  General  Synod, 
that  they  do  not  regard  that  Synod  as  Scriptural,  and  hence 
they  cannot  consistently  call  a  minister  from  it,  and  that  as 
the}-  regard  our  Synod  as  adhering  to  the  Augsburg  Con- 
fession, they  turn  their  attention  to  it  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  a  teacher. 

2.  A  petition  from  the  Hawksbill  Church,  Shenandoah 
County,  now  Page  County,  Virginia,  in  which  they  say, 
that,  as  Rev.  Paul  Henkel  cannot  serve  them  now,  in  con- 
sequence of  ill  health,  they  might  secure  the  sendees  of  a 


56  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

minister  in  connection  with  the  General  Synod,  but  in  view 
of  its  doctrinal  position,  they  do  not  desire  to  do  so,  and 
hence  they  petition  for  the  promotion  of  Mr.  Ambrose 
Henkel  to  the  office  of  the  ministry,  vouching  for  his  moral 
character. 

3.  A  petition  from  Pine  Church,  Shenandoah  County, 
Virginia,  now  St.  Mary's,  of  similar  import  to  that  of  the 
former. 

4.  A  petition  from  Cape  Girardeau,  Perry,  Wayne,  and 
Madison  Counties,  Missouri,  requesting  the  ordination  of 
Deacon  Christian  Moretz  to  the  office  of  Pastor,  and  giving 
evidence  of  his  good  character. 

5.  A  petition  from  Valley  Church,  Wythe  County, 
Virginia,  in  which  the  petitioners  indicate,  that  they  do  not 
wish  any  longer  to  co-operate  with  the  North  Carolina 
Synod,  that  they  have  withdrawn  from  it,  and  desire  to  be 
received  into  our  Synod,  and  also  that  their  preacher,  Rev. 
Andrew  Sechrist,  acquiesces  in  this  move. 

6.  A  petition  from  the  Church  in  the  Fork,  Washing- 
ton County,  Virginia,  asking  for  the  promotion  of  Rev. 
Andrew  Sechrist  in  the  ministerial  office. 

7.  A  petition  from  Zion's  congregation,  Sullivan 
County,  Tennessee,  in  which  they  express  a  desire,  that,  if 
Rev.  Adam  Miller  cannot  serve  them  more  frequently, 
Andrew  Sechrist  serve  them. 

8.  A  petition  from  Rader's  Church,  Rockingham 
County,  Virginia,  signed  by  the  church  council,  in  which 
they  state,  that,  as  they  have  no  opportunity  to  be  served 
by  a  minister,  unless  it  be  by  one  from  the  General  Synod, 
and  seeing  that  our  Synod  still  adheres  to  the  Augsburg 
Confession,  they  desire  our  Synod  to  supply  them  with  a 
minister.  They  further  state,  that  Rev.  Philip  Henkel 
preached  for  them  once  last  summer,  and  that  they  have 
such  confidence  in  him  as  induces  them  to  desire  him  to 
serve  them. 

9.  A  petition  from  Emmanuel  Church,  Washington 
County,  Tennessee,  in  which  the  petitioners  desire  the  next 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  57 

meeting  of  Synod  to  be  held  in  their  church ;  whereupon 
Ambrose  Henkel  also  presented  a  verbal  petition  from  four 
congregations  in  Virginia  to  the  same  effect. 

10.  A  petition  from  three  congregations  in  Davidson 
County,  formerly  Rowan  County,  North  Carolina,  in  which 
the  petitioners  express  their  heartfelt  thanks  for  the  services 
received  from  our  Synod,  and  pray  for  a  continuance  of 
the  same. 

11.  A  petition  from  the  congregation  in  Jeffersontown, 
Jefferson  County,  Kentucky,  petitioning  for  a  minister  be- 
longing to  our  Synod ;  especially  for  David  Henkel. 

12.  A  petition  from  a  congregation  in  Clark  County, 
on  Fourteen-mile  Creek,  Indiana,  asking  our  Synod  to 
provide  them  with  a  minister. 

13.  A  petition,  verbally  stated  by  Rev.  David  Henkel, 
on  behalf  of  Mr.  George  Risch,  in  Tennessee  Valley,  for  a 
minister. 

The  following  action  was  taken  in  regard  to  these 
petitions  : 

1.  With  respect  to  petitions  5,  6,  and  7,  in  regard  to 
the  reception  of  Mr.  Sechrist,  it  was  resolved,  that,  as  he 
indicates  in  writing  that  he  accepts  and  holds  our  position, 
he  be  received  and  examined,  and,  if  he  sustain  a  proper 
examination,  he  be  ordained. 

2.  Relative  to  petition  4,  concerning  the  pastoral  ordi- 
nation of  Deacon  C.  Moretz,  it  was  resolved,  that,  as  he  has 
faithful^'  served  for  two  years  in  his  present  office,  and 
sustained  an  irreproachable  character,  if  he  sustain  a  favor- 
able examination,  he  be  ordained  to  the  office  of  Pastor. 

3.  In  reference  to  2  and  3,  as  to  the  reception  of  Mr. 
Ambrose  Henkel  as  a  deacon,  it  was  resolved,  that  he  be 
received  and  examined,  and,  if  found  qualified,  he  be  or- 
dained to  the  office  of  Deacon. 

Hereupon,  the  examination  of  these  three  applicants 
took  place,  and  they  stood  a  favorable  examination.  After 
the  examination,  Rev.  David  Henkel  preached  an  ordina- 
tion sermon  from  Eph.  4,  3-14 ;  after  which  the  applicants 


58  HISTORY    OF  THE    EVANGELICAL 

were  ordained  with  prayer  and  with  the  imposition  of  hands. 

4.  In  reference  to  petitions,  numbers  1,  8,  10,  n,  12, 
and  13,  relative  to  services  from  this  S3'iiod,  it  was  resolved, 
that  every  preacher  present  agree  to  visit  a  certain  district 
in  the  bounds  of  the  petitioners  desiring  services.  It  was 
further  resolved,  that,  in  the  future,  when  a  minister  cannot 
be  at  Synod,  he  shall,  when  necessary,  attend  to  such  dis- 
trict as  may  be  assigned  to  him. 

It  was  also  resolved,  that  Rev.  George  Easterly  visit 
the  congregations  in  Davidson  County,  North  Carolina, 
this  fall ;  that,  in  the  spring,  Rev.  Sechrist  visit  them 
again,  in  case  Rev.  Adam  Miller  cannot  visit  them  ;  and 
that  Rev.  Adam  Miller  visit  the  petitioners  in  Augusta, 
Rockingham,  and  Shenandoah  Counties,  Virginia,  next 
spring  or  in  the  beginning  of  summer. 

Rev.  George  Easterly  was  requested  to  visit  Mr.  Risch, 
in  Haywood,  North  Carolina,  this  fall. 

In  the  event  Mr.  Sechrist  does  not  visit  Davidson  Coun- 
ty till  spring,  thus  making  it  possible  for  Rev.  Miller  to 
make  both  visits,  he  shall  serve  Rev.  Miller's  congregations, 
during  his  absence. 

Rev.  Moretz  was  appointed  to  visit  the  petitioners  in 
Kentucky  and  Indiana,  this  fall,  and  in  the  spring  or  the 
early  part  of  the  summer,  either  Rev.  Philip  Henkel  or 
David  Henkel  is  to  visit  them  again.* 

Relative  to  the  verbal  petition,  number  9,  it  was  re- 
solved, %that  the  next  meeting  of  Synod  be  held  in  Keinadt's 
(Koiner's)  Church,  Augusta  County,  Virginia,  twelve  miles 
east  of  Staunton,  and  begin  on  the  first  Sunday  in  Septem- 
ber, 1824. 

In  this  connection  appears  a  paper,  in  which  it  is  stated, 
that  a  German  periodical,  published  in  Baltimore,  Maryland, 
bearing  date,  June  25,  1823,  was  received,  in  which,  it  is 
learned,  that,  during  its  last  session,  in  the  town  of  Lebanon, 


*  It  seems  to  have  been  the  object  of  Synod,  to  serve  all  congrega- 
tions, that  petitioned  for  services,  as  far  as  it  was  possible  for  it  to  do. 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  59 

Pennsylvania,  the  Lutheran  Synod  of  Pennsylvania  with- 
drew its  connection  with  the  General  Synod,  by  resolving 
not  to  send  any  more  delegates  to  it,  and  that  this  resolution 
shall  continue  in  force,  in  the  future,  until  the  congrega- 
tions themselves  shall  revoke  it.  For  this  move,  certain 
reasons  were  assigned,  which  indicate  dissatisfaction  on  the 
part  of  many  with  the  plan  of  the  General  Synod. 

In  view  of  this  fact,  in  order  to  obtain  desired  informa- 
tion, this  Synod  deemed  it  not  improper  to  submit  the  fol- 
lowing inquiries  to  the  Pennsylvania  Synod,  asking  a  reply  : 

i.  "Do  you  believe,  that  Holy  Baptism,  administered 
with  natural  water,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  effects  the  forgiveness  of  sins, 
delivers  from  death  and  the  devil,  and  confers  everlasting 
salvation  upon  all  who  believe  it,  as  the  words  and  promises 
of  God  declare  ? 

2.  "Do  you  believe,  that  the  true  body  and  blood  of 
Christ,  under  the  form  of  bread  and  wine  in  the  Holy  Sup- 
per, are  present,  administered,  and  received?  Do  you  also 
believe,  that  the  unbelieving  communicants  receive  in  this 
Supper  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ,  under  the  form  of 
bread  and  wine? 

"We  do  not  ask  whether  the  unbelievers  obtain  the 
forgiveness  of  their  sins  thereby,  but  whether  they  also  re- 
ceive the  body  and  blood  of  Jesus  in  this  Sacrament. 

3.  "Do  you  believe,  that  Jesus  Christ,  as  true  God  and 
man  in  one  person,  should  be  worshiped? 

4.  "Is  it  right  for  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  to 
unite  with  any  religious  organization  that  seeks  to  deny  the 
doctrines  of  the  Augsburg  Confession  and  Luther's  Cate- 
chism ?  Or  is  it  right  for  Lutherans  to  go  to  the  Holy  Sup- 
per with  such  ? 

5.  "Is  your  Synod  to  be  henceforth  ruled  by  a  majority 
of  the  voters  ? 

6.  "Does  your  Synod  intend  still  to  adhere  to  the 
declaration,  that  Jesus  Christ,  the  Great  Head  of  his  Church, 
has  given  no  special  direction  or  order  for  the  establishment 


60  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

of  Church  Government,  as  it  is  declared  in  the  Constitution 
of  the  General  Synod  ? 

' '  Your  answers  to  these  questions  in  writing,  addressed 
to  our  Secretary,  Rev.  David  Henkel,  Lincolnton,  Lincoln 
County,  North  Carolina,  will  be  duly  appreciated." 

Fifth  Session. 

This  Synod  met,  in  its  fifth  session,  in  Keinadt's 
(Koiner's)  Church,  Augusta  County,  Virginia,  September 
6,  1824. 

On  Saturday,  Rev.  George  Easterly  preached  on  Heb. 
n,6.  On  Sunday,  Rev.  Daniel  Moser  preached  on  Tit.  3, 
4-7.  He  was  followed  by  Rev.  David  Henkel  in  the  En- 
glish. Then  Rev.  Philip  Henkel  preached  on  1  Cor.  11,  26. 
The  Lord's  Supper  was  administered.  The  house  was  filled 
with  devout  worshipers. 

On  Monday,  the  members  of  Synod  assembled.  The 
pastors  present  were  :  Revs.  Paul  Henkel,  New  Market, 
Virginia;  Adam  Miller,  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee;  Philip 
Henkel,  Green  County,  Tennessee  ;  George  Easterly,  of  the 
same  County  as  the  latter ;  David  Henkel,  Lincoln  County, 
North  Carolina.  Revs.  Jacob  Zink  and  Christian  Moretz 
were  absent. 

Deacons — Ambrose  Henkel,  New  Market,  Virginia. 
Andrew  Sechrist  and  Jacob  Costner  were  absent. 

Delegates — Messrs.  George  Goodman,  Cabarrus  County, 
North  Carolina,  representing  nine  congregations ;  Ludwig 
Stein,  Sullivan  County,  John  Renner,  Green  County,  Ten- 
nessee ;  Daniel  Tussing,  Pine  Church,  Shenandoah  County, 
Virginia ;  Joseph  Nehs,  Green  County,  Tennessee ;  Martin 
Meyer  and  John  Printz,  Hawksbill  Church,  Shenandoah, 
now  Page  County,  Virginia ;  Peter  Schaeffer  and  John 
Bauman,  Rader's  Church,  Rockingham  County,  Virginia  ; 
Henry  Miller,  Philip  Church,  Rockingham  County,  Vir- 
ginia; Casper  Keinadt  and  Jacob  Keinadt  (Koiner),  of  the 
place  of  meeting. 

1.   Rev.  George  Henry  Riemenschneider,  of  Pendleton 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  6l 

County,  Virginia,  having  applied  for  reception  into  Synod, 
having  given,  in  writing,  satisfactory  evidence  of  his  acqui- 
escence with  the  doctrines  and  position  of  Synod,  and  that 
more  than  a  year  ago  he  had  withdrawn  from  the  Maryland 
Synod,  and  a  paper,  signed  by  nineteen  leading  church 
members,  having  been  presented,  vouching  for  his  irre- 
proachable, Christian  character,  he  was  received  as  a  regu- 
lar member  of  Synod,  by  the  extension  of  the  right  hand  of 
fellowship. 

2.  Rev.  Daniel  Moser,  Lincoln  County,  North  Caro- 
lina, having  expressed  a  desire  to  be  received  into  connec- 
tion with  this  Synod,  and  a  petition,  number  six,  signed 
by  members  of  three  of  his  congregations,  testifying  to  his 
good  moral  conduct,  and  certifying  that  since  1820  neither 
they  nor  their  minister  belonged  to  any  synod,  and  asking 
to  be  received  into  Synod  ;  and  Rev.  Moser,  in  writing  over 
his  own  signature,  stating  that  he  regarded  the  doctrines 
maintained  by  the  Tennessee  Synod  as  in  accord  with  the 
Augsburg  Confession,  it  was  resolved,  that  he  and  his  con- 
gregations be  received,  and  that  he  be  recognized  by  Synod 
as  one  of  its  pastors. 

At  12  M.,  Rev.  Riemenschneider  preached  on  1  Cor. 
10,  15. 

3.  Rev.  David  Henkel  having  stated  that  during  his 
travels  he  met  Rev.  Zink,  who  informed  him  that  for  cer- 
tain reasons  over  which  he  had  no  control,  he  could  not  be 
present ;  he  was  excused,  and  Rev.  Riemenschneider  moved 
that  a  letter  be  sent  him  in  the  name  of  the  Synod,  express- 
ing its  appreciation  of  his  labors  and  encouraging  him  to 
continue  steadfast  in  his  office. 

The  following  petitions  were  then  read : 

1.  A  petition  from  Messrs.  Andrew  Bastian,  Peter 
Allbrecht,  and  John  Setzer,  signed  by  the  Sewitzen  Church, 
Rowan  County,  North  Carolina,  praying  that  one  of  our 
ministers  might  visit  them,  as  they  desired  a  minister  who 
teaches  according  to  the  fundamental  doctrines  and  regula- 
tions of  the  Lutheran  Church. 


62  HISTORY    OF    THE    EVANGELICAL 

2.  A  petition  from  a  congregation  in  Nelson  County, 
Kentucky,  expressing  their  gratification  on  account  of 
services  already  rendered  by  Synod,  and  a  desire  for  a  con- 
tinuation of  such  services. 

3.  A  petition  from  a  church  in  Jefferson  County,  Ken- 
tucky, expressing  gratitude  for  the  inestimable  services  ren- 
dered them  by  Rev.  David  Henkel,  speaking  of  him  in  most 
favorable  terms,  and  praying  for  further  services. 

In  connection  with  this,  it  should  be  observed,  that 
Rev.  David  Henkel  was  most  cordially  received  and  liber- 
ally remunerated  by  these  two  congregations  in  Kentucky 
for  his  services,  and  that  he  received  similar  treatment  from 
the  brethren  in  Indiana. 

4.  A  petition,  signed  by  the  councils  of  four  congrega- 
tions in  Davidson  County,  North  Carolina,  in  which  they 
express  their  sincere  thanks  for  services  already  received, 
and  petition  for  a  preacher. 

5.  A  petition,  signed  by  the  elders  and,  deacons  of 
Philadelphia  congregation,  Lincoln  County,  North  Caro- 
lina, in  which  they  pray  that  a  committee  be  elected,  and 
that  the  North  Carolina  Synod  be  requested  to  appoint  a 
similar  one,  and  that  these  two  committees  meet,  and  show 
and  state  publicly  the  differences  in  doctrine  between  the 
two  synods. 

6.  A  petition  from  Rev.  Daniel  Moser's  congregation 
of  similar  import. 

7.  A  petition  from  St.  John's  Church,  Lincoln  County, 
North  Carolina,  of  same  import. 

8.  A  petition  from  St.  Jacob's  Church,  Tennessee,  in 
which  the  petitioners  request  that  less  labor  be  imposed  on 
Rev.  Philip  Henkel,  in  traveling,  and  if  this  cannot  be 
done,  that  some  other  minister  serve  them  during  his 
absence. 

9.  A  petition  from  Hawksbill  Church,  Virginia,  and  a 
verbal  petition  from  three  other  churches,  praying  for  the 
ordination  of  Mr.  Ambrose  Henkel  to   the  office  of  Pastor. 

10.  A  petition  from  Rader's  Church,  Virginia,  stating 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  63 

that  they  have  had  no  minister  for  a  long  time,  that  their 
young  people  are  being  neglected,  and  that  hence  they  de- 
sire that  Rev.  Adam  Miller  serve  them.  In  connection 
with  this,  there  is  a  petition  from  old  Pine  Church  of 
similar  import.  It  also  asks  for  the  services  of  Ambrose 
Henkel. 

11.  A  petition  from  a  congregation  in  Harrison  County, 
Indiana,  asking  for  ministerial  services. 

In  regard  to  petitions  numbers  1,  2,  3,  4,  8,  10,  and  n, 
asking  for  services,  it  was  resolved  that  the  following  min- 
isters spend  two  months  each  before  the  next  meeting  of 
Synod,  in  visiting  and  serving  these  petitioners :  Revs. 
Adam  Miller,  George  Easterly,  Philip  Henkel,  David 
Henkel,  Daniel  Moser,  and  Ambrose  Henkel,  and  that 
they  arrange  the  sections  which  each  one  is  to  visit  to  suit 
themselves. 

Relative  to  this,  it  was  observed  that  as  this  Synod  has 
no  treasury,  out  of  which  to  remunerate  traveling  ministers, 
the  petitioners  «re  expected  to  defray  such  expenses,  as 
they  have,  to  their  praise,  heretofore  done.  The  laborer 
is  worthy  of  his  reward. 

Letters  were  then  read  from  Revs.  C.  Moretz  and 
Andrew  Sechrist,  and  Peter  Heyl  (Hoyle),  Esq.,  delegates 
elect  from  congregations  in  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina, 
and  Deacon  Jacob  Costner,  rendering  excuses  for  their  ab- 
sence. &c.     They  were  excused. 

And  also  a  letter  from  Mr.  Carl  Gock,  of  Pennsylvania, 
in  which  he  expresses  himself  as  dissatisfied  with  the 
General  Synod,  and  states  that  he  had  reprinted  the  report 
of  the  committee,  appointed  during  the  second  session  of 
our  Synod,  to  compile  the  objections  to  the  constitution  of 
the  General  Synod,  and  circulated  1,200  copies,  &c. 

The  petitions  numbered  5,  6,  and  7  received  attention, 
and  among  other  actions  taken  in  relation  to  them,  it  was 
resolved,  inasmuch  as  there  are  a  number  of  persons  who 
do  not  understand  the  difference  between  the  doctrines  held 
by  the  Tennessee  Synod  and  those  held  by  the  North  Caro- 


64  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

lina  Synod,  and  to  establish  peace  and  harmony  as  far  as 
possible,  that  a  committee,  consisting  of  Messrs.  Casper 
Keinadt,  Jacob  Keinadt  (Koiner),  and  Adam  Leonard,  be 
appointed,  with  the  privilege  of  selecting  a  secretary.  It 
shall  be  their  duty  to  collect,  from  the  writings  of  the  two 
parties,  the  conflicting  doctrines  held  by  each,  and  place 
them  opposite  to  each  other,  so  that  every  one  may  see  the 
difference  ;  and  if  those  who  have  deviated  from  the  teach- 
ings of  the  Augsburg  Confession  and  the  Lutheran  order 
shall  publicly  renounce,  in  print,  such  deviations,  further 
steps  for  a  re-union  may  be  instituted. 

Rev.  Nehemiah  Bonham,  an  English  Lutheran  preacher 
of  Tazwell  County,  having  appeared  since  the  opening  of 
this  session,  and  expressed  a  desire  to  be  received  into 
Synod ;  and  presenting  a  petition  from  his  congregations, 
in  which  they  testify  to  the  Christian  walk  and  conduct  of 
said  Bonham,  and  ask  to  be  received  into  Synod,  besides 
other  evidence  of  his  good  character,  after  examination 
he  was  received  into  Synod  by  the  extension  of  the  right 
hand  of  brotherly  fellowship,  and  his  congregations  were 
also  received. 

Relative  to  petition  number  9,  it  was  resolved,  that 
Ambrose  Henkel  be  examined  in  regard  to  his  qualifications 
for  the  office  of  Pastor,  and,  if  he  sustain  the  required  exami- 
nation, that  he  be  ordained  to  that  office.  The  examination 
proved  satisfactory,  and  he  \yas  ordained  to  that  office,  by 
Revs.  Riemenschneider,  Miller,  and  Easterly. 

It  was  now  resolved,  that  the  next  meeting  of  this  Synod 
be  held  in  St.  John's  Church,  twenty  miles  nqrtheast  of 
Lincolnton,  North  Carolina,  commencing  on  the  first  Sun- 
day in  September,  1825. 

A  young  man,  Adam  Miller,  Jr.,  nephew  of  Rev.  Adam 
Miller,  was  introduced  to  Synod  as  an  applicant  for  the  office 
of  the  Ministry.  He  was  placed  under  the  supervision  of 
his  uncle. 

The  following  is  the  Parochial  Report : 

Rev.  George    Easterly  baptized  72   infants,    8    adults, 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  65 

and  2  slaves,  and  confirmed  1 2  ;  Rev.  Daniel  Moser,  since 
1820,  350  infants  and  1  adult,  and  confirmed  121  ;  Rev. 
Philip  Henkel,  171  infants,  9  adults,  and  7  slaves,  and 
confirmed  17  ;  Rev.  Adam  Miller,  118  infants  and  22  adults, 
and  confirmed  51  ;  Rev.  Christian  Moretz,  23  infants  ;  ReV. 
Paul  Henkel,  16  infants;  Rev.  Jacob  Zink,  no  report ;  ReV. 
Nehemiah  Bonham,  no  report ;  Rev.  G.  H.  Riemenschnei- 
der,  since  1822,  68  infants  and  2  adults,  and  confirmed  44  ; 
Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel,  42  infants  ;  Rev.  David  Henkel,  133 
infants,  15  adults,  and  9  slaves,  and  confirmed  60. 

Synod  then  adjourned  to  meet  at  the  time  and  place 
designated. 

As  Appendixes,  follow  the  report  of  the  committee  to 
present  in  print  the  differences  in  doctrine  between  the  two 
Synods,  and  a  memorial  addressed,  by  Rev.  David  Henkel, 
to  the  Synod  of  Maryland  and  Virginia. 

Sixth  Session. 

Synod  met  in  its  sixth  session,  in  St.  John's  Church, 
Lincoln  County,  now  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina, 
September  5,  1825. 

On  Saturday  previous,  two  sermons  were  preached, — 
one  by  Rev.  Christian  Moretz,  and  the  other  by  Rev.  Am- 
brose Henkel.  On  Sunday,  two  discourses  Were  delivered,, 
and  the  Lord's  Supper  administered  to  206  communicants, 

Ministers  present — Revs.  Philip  Henkel,  Geo,  Easterly, 
N.  Bonham,  Ambrose  Henkel,  C.  Moretz,  D.  Moser,  and 
David  Henkel,  and  Deacon  J.  Costner. 

Applicant — Mr.  Adam  Miller,  Jr. 

Delegates — Messrs.  Adam  Cloninger,  Jacob  Pleyler,  An- 
drew Taylor,  G.  Burkhart,  G.  Nehs,  G.  Bible,  A.  Siegel, 
Peter  Heyl,  J.  Efird,  P.  Allbright,  G.  Goodman,  Jonathan, 
Hertzel,  Daniel  Sechrist,  J.  Beck,  Michael  Rudisill,  John 
Ramsauer,  David  Hahn,  C.  Kramm,  Adam  Lingel,  John 
Moretz,  H.  Rudisill,  Elias  Bast,  and  the  church  council  of 
St.  John's. 

Eight  letters  were  received  and  read,  assigning  reasons 


66  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

for  absence,  asking  to  be  excused,  and  petitioning  for  minis- 
terial services.     The  requests  were  granted. 

Action  was  now  taken  relative  to  doctrinal  questions 
which  bad  been  propounded,  two  years  ago,  to  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Sj-nod,  and  which  had  not  been  as  yet  answered,  nor 
any  reason  given  for  such  delay. 

In  respect  to  this,  Revs.  Daniel  Moser  and  Ambrose 
Henkel,  and  Messrs.  John  Ramsauer  and  Peter  Heyl,  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  renew  the  questions. 

A  memorial  was  presented,  signed  by  nine  persons,  re- 
questing Synod  to  make  another  effort  to  effect  a  union  with 
the  ministers  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod,  but  in  such  a 
manner  as  not  to  compromise  the  genuine  Lutheran  doc- 
trines. 

In  reference  to  this  memorial,  it  was  resolved,  that,  as 
the  ministers  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod  failed  to  respond 
to  our  former  proposal  for  negotiations  with  a  view  to  adjust 
the  differences,  according  to  the  standard  of  the  Church, 
the  same  proposition  and  questions  be  repeated,  and  if  their 
answers  prove  satisfactory,  all  necessary  steps  shall  be  taken 
to  effect  peace  and  harmony  ;  but  if  the  answers  should  fail 
to  be  satisfactory,  we  further  propose  to  them,  that  a  time 
and  place  may  be  selected,  and  that  each  party  appoint  a 
speaker  to  present  the  disputed  doctrines,  in  such  a  manner 
that  the  audience  that  may  assemble  at  the  time  and  place, 
may  form  their  views  relative  to  the  differences,  and  that 
the  arguments  on  both  sides  may  be  afterward  published. 

The  committee,  appointed  to  prepare  a  paper,  containing 
certain  questions  to  be  submitted  to  the  Pennsylvania  Synod 
for  its  consideration  and  answers,  submitted  their  report. 
The  questions  are  similar  to  those  prepared  in  1823. 

The  Secretary  was  ordered  to  address  a  friendly  letter 
to  the  Rev.  Muhlenberg,  a  member  of  that  Synod,  to  obtain 
counsel  relative  to  the  present  condition  of  the  Church. 

Here  two  petitions  from  Tennessee  follow,  asking  for 
the  ordination  of  Mr.  Adam  Miller,  Jr.  He  was  examined 
and  ordained. 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  67 

Eight  petitions  from  North  Carolina,  Virginia,  and 
Tennessee,  were  received,  asking  for  ministerial  services. 
Arrangements  were  made  to  supply  them. 

All  the  congregations  in  connection  with  Synod  were 
advised  more  generally  to  introduce  Luther's  Catechism. 

The  time  and  place  for  the  next  meeting  of  Synod  were 
the  first  Sunday  in  September,  1826,  and  Buehler's  Church, 
near  Papersville,  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee.  The  paro- 
chial report  is  favorable. 

The  following  is  the  Parochial  Report : 

Rev.  George  Easterly  baptized  40  infants  and  6  adults, 
and  confirmed  12  ;  Rev.  Nehemiah  Bonham,  32  infants  and 
12  adults;  Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel,  60  infants  and  1  adult; 
Rev.  Daniel  Moser,  130  infants,  6  adults,  and  11  slaves, 
and  confirmed  39;  Rev.  Christian  Moretz,  105  infants,  7 
adults,  and  confirmed  20 ;  Rev.  Philip  Henkel,  1 10  infants, 
7  adults,  and  4  slaves,  and  confirmed  45 ;  Rev.  David 
Henkel,  135  infants,  6  adults,  and  4  slaves,  and  confirmed 
41  ;  Rev.  Paul  Henkel,  20  infants,  5  adults,  and  con- 
firmed 10. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Paul  Henkel.— Rev.  Paul  Heukel  was  a  sou  of 
Jacob  Heukel  who  was  a  son  of  Justus  Henkel  who  was  a  son  of  Rev.  Ger- 
hard Henkel  who  was  a  German  Court  preacher,  and  came  to  America 
about  17 18,  and  located  at  Germantown,  near  Philadelphia,  Pennsyl- 
vania. Rev.  Gerhard  Henkel  was  a  descendant  of  Count  Henkel,  of 
Poeltzig,  who  was  instrumental  in  sending  Rev.  Muhlenberg  to  America. 
Count  Heukel  was  a  descendant  of  Johauu  Heukel,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  born 
in  Leutschau,  Hungary,  and  was  Father  Confessor  to  Queen  Maria 
about  1530.  He  sympathized  with  Protestantism,  and  maintained 
friendly  relations  with  Melanchthou,  Erasmus,  Spalatin,  and  others 
who  were  engaged  in  the  Reformation  of  the  sixteenth  century. 

Rev.  Paul  Henkel  was  born  on  the  Yadkin  River,  Rowan  County, 
North  Carolina,  December  15,  1754.  Whilst  he  was  a  youth,  his  pa- 
rents, with  their  family,  moved  to  Western  Virginia.  About  the  year 
1776,  Paul  Heukel  determined  to  prepare  himself  for  the  Gospel  Min- 
istry, placing  himself  under  the  instruction  of  Rev.  Kruch,  pastor  of 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  at  Fredericktowu,  Maryland.  After 
having  taken  a  course  in  the  German,  Latin,  and  Greek  languages, 
and  other  studies  necessary  to  the  ministerial  office,  he  applied  to  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod  of  Pennsylvania  and  adjacent  States,— 


68  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

the  only  Lutheran  Synod  then  in  existence  in  this  country.  He  was 
examined  and  licensed  to  preach.  Having  received  a  call  from  con- 
gregations in  the  Shenandoah  Valley  of  Virginia,  at  and  near  New 
Market,  Shenandoah  County,  he  accepted,  and  located  at  New  Mar- 
ket, Virginia,  and  extended  his  labors  into  other  sections,  as  Augusta, 
Madison,  Pendleton,  Wythe,  &c,  where  he  laid  the  foundations 
of  a  large  number  of  congregations.  On  the  6th  of  June,  1792, 
he  was  solemnly  set  apart  to  the  office  of  Pastor,  in  the  city  of  Phila- 
delphia, Pennsylvania.  His  ordination  was  performed  by  Rev.  John 
Frederick  Schmidt,  pastor  of  a  church  in  that  city.  He  afterward 
located  in  Staunton,  Augusta  County,  Virginia,  and  labored  in  that 
section  about  three  years.  He  then  returned  to  New  Market,  Virginia, 
and  resumed  his  labors  among  his  former  congregations.  In  1800,  he 
received  a  call  to  congregations  in  Rowan  (his  native  County),  North 
Carolina.  He  accepted  it,  but  even  there,  as  in  Virginia,  he  did  not 
confine  his  labors  simply  to  those  congregations,  but  extended  them 
to  other  places  in  the  surrounding  counties.  But  finding  that  section 
unhealthy,  on  account  of  chills  and  fever,  he  returned  in  1805  to  New 
Market,  Shenandoah  County,  Virginia,  and  became  an  independent 
missionary.  Not  depending  for  a  support  on  any  special  missionary 
fund,  but  on  the  promises  of  his  Master  and  the  good  will  of  those  to 
whom  he  ministered,  he  made  several  tours  through  Western  Virginia, 
Tennessee,  Kentucky,  Indiana,  and  Ohio,  gathering  the  scattered 
members  of  the  Church,  administering  to  them  the  Word  and  Sacra- 
ments, instructing  and  confirming  the  youth,  and,  as  far  as  practicable, 
organizing  new  congregations.  During  the  War  of  1812-1815,  he  took 
up  his  residence  at  Point  Pleasant,  Mason  County,  Virginia,  and 
organized  several  congregations  in  that  section,  but  at  the  close  of  the 
war,  he  returned  to  his  old  residence  at  "New  Market,  Virginia,  and 
resumed  his  missionary  labors. 

In  1803,  whilst  he  resided  in  North  Carolina,  he,  with  several 
other  ministers,  formerly  belonging  to  the  Pennsylvania  Synod,  organ- 
ized the  North  Carolina  Synod.  In  October,  1812,  while  he  resided  at 
Point  Pleasant,  about  ten  of  the  brethren  of  the  Pennsylvania  Synod 
held  their  first  special  conference  west  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains, 
in  Washington  County,  Pennsylvania.  To  this  conference  he  was 
invited,  but  for  certain  reasons  was  unable  to  attend.  But  at  the  con- 
ference which  was  held  the  next  year  at  Clear  Creek,  Fairfield  County, 
Ohio,  he  was  present,  and  was  recognized  as  one  of  their  body,  although 
he  still  belonged  to  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina.  In  1818,  he  took 
part  in  the  organization  of  the  Ohio  Synod,  and  in  1820,  in  that  of  the 
Tennessee  Synod. 

In  [S09,  he  published  a  small  work  in  the  German  language,  on 
Christian  Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper.     This  work  was  afterwards 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  69 

translated  into  the  English.  In  1S10,  he  published  a  German  hymn- 
book  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church,  containing  two  hundred  and  forty- 
six  hymns.  In  1816,  he  published  another  hymn-book  in  the  English 
language,  which  was  afterwards  enlarged  and  improved,  and  contains 
four  hundred  and  seventy -six  hymns,— a  portion  of  which  are  adapted 
to  the  Gospels  and  Epistles  of  the  Ecclesiastical  Year.  A  considerable 
number  of  these  hymns,  both  German  and  English,  were  composed  by 
him.  In  1814,  he  published  his  German  Catechism,  and  not  long  after- 
wards his  English  Catechism,  for  the  especial  benefit  of  the  young,  not 
changing  the  substance  of  Luther's  Catechism.  To  these  Catechisms 
he  appended  an  explanation  of  all  the  Fast  and  Festival  Days  observed 
in  the  Church.  Soon  after  this,  his  little  work,  written  in  rhyme,  en- 
titled Zeitvertreib  (Pastime)  made  its  appearance,  to  the  amusement 
of  some,  and  the  annoyance  of  others,— it  was  a  satirical  rebuke  to 
fanaticism  and  superstition,  vice  and  folly. 

He  was  well  proportioned,  large  and  erect,  standing  about  six  feet, 
with  well  developed  physical  organs,  full  of  energy  and  perseverance. 
His  mind  was  well  balanced.  His  attainments  were  liberal.  As  a 
citizen,  he  was  kind,  affectionate,  and  forbearing.  As  a  neighbor,  he 
was  universally  esteemed  and  beloved.  As  a  preacher,  he  had  few  su- 
periors in  his  day.  He  was  animated  and  often  eloquent.  His  soul 
was  in  his  Master's  cause.  Few  ministers  performed  more  arduous, 
faithful,  efficient  labor  than  he  did.  In  all  the  relations  of  life,  he 
was  true,  faithful,  pious,  reliable,  and  upright. 

On  the. 20th  of  November,  1776,  he  entered  into  the  holy  estate  of 
matrimony  with  Miss  Elizabeth  Negley,  who,  with  her  father's  family, 
had  emigrated  from  New  Jersey  to  Virginia.  They  became  the  parents 
of  nine  children,— six  sons  and  three  daughters.  The  oldest  son  enter- 
ed the  medical  profession,  and  the  other  five,  the  ministerial,  becoming 
Lutheran  ministers. 

He  preached  his  first  sermon  in  Pendleton  County,  Virginia,  now 
West  Virginia,  in  the  year  1781,  on  Phil.  2,  5,  and  his  last  one,  in 
New  Market,  Shenandoah  County,  Virginia,  Oct.  9,  1825,  on  Luke  2,  34. 
After  faithfully  serving  his  generation  for  many  years,  it  pleased 
the  great  Head  of  the  Church  to  call  him  from  his  labors  here  to  his 
reward  in  the  Church  triumphant.  He  died  of  paralysis,  on  the  17th 
day  of  November,  1825  ;  aged  70  years,  11  months,  and  11  days,  and 
was  buried  at  New  Market,  Shenandoah  County,  Virginia  ;  Rev.  Geo. 
H.  Riemenschneider  officiating.  The  sermon  was  based  on  Phil.  1,21. 
In  speaking  of  the  Rev.  Paul  Henkel,  John  G.  Morris,  D.  D.,  LL. 
D.,  says,  in  his  work,  "Fifty  Years  in  the  Ministry,"  he  "was,  in 
early  life  and  for  many  years,  a  laborious  missionary  among  the  scat- 
tered Anglo-German  population  in  the  South.  He  may  indeed  be  con- 
sidered as  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the  church  in  that  region,  which  was 


70  HISTORY    OF    THE    EVANGELICAL 

in  those  days  truly  desolate.  His  narrative,  which  was  printed,  has  all 
the  interest  of  romance,  and  if  he  had  performed  the  same  self-denying 
labors  in  the  service  of  any  other  church  he  would  have  received  a 
greater  earthly  reward." 

Seventh  Sessio?i. 

According  to  appointment,  Synod  met  in  Buehler's 
Church,  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee,  September  8,  1826. 
The  ministers,  with  the  usual  delegates,  were  present.  The 
absentees  were  excused.  It  was  resolved,  that,  at  the  next 
meeting  of  Synod,  both  the  German  and  the  English  lan- 
guages may  be  used  in  the  proceedings  of  Synod.  The 
parochial  report  shows  progress.  Rev.  David  Henkel  was 
elected  secretary,  his  office  to  continue  through  the  synod- 
ical  year.  It  seems,  that  heretofore  that  office  terminated 
with  the  session  of  Synod.  The  name  of  Rev.  Andrew 
Sechrist  was,  for  good  and  sufficient  reasons,  dropped  from 
the  clerical  roll. 

The  Synod  having  made  several  attempts  to  meet  with 
ministers  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod  in  consultation, 
discussion,  or  debate,  and  all  having  failed,  it  authorized 
Revs.  Adam  Miller,  Daniel  Moser,  and  David  Henkel  to 
proclaim  or  announce  a  public  meeting,  to  be  held  at  or 
near  Organ  Church,  Rowan  County,  North  Carolina,  com- 
mencing on  the  4th  day  of  November  prox into,  to  take  into 
consideration  and  discuss  the  points  of  doctrine  about  which 
there  were  differences,  and  invite  ministers  of  the  North 
Carolina  Synod  to  be  present  and  participate,  with  a  view 
to  adjust  the  conflicts  and  restore  harmony. 

At  this  meeting,  it  was  resolved,  that  Luther's  Small 
Catechism  be  translated  and  printed  in  an  English  dress, 
and  that  Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel  make  arrangements  to  have 
the  matter  receive  proper  attention. 

Seventeen  petitions  from  the  following  States,  Virginia. 
North  Carolina,  Tennessee,  Indiana,  and  Ohio,  numerously 
signed,  requesting  ministerial  services,  were  received. — 
Arrangements  were  made  to  supply  the  wants  of  the  peti- 
tioners. 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  7  I 

Several  letters  from  Pennsylvania  were  read,  requesting 
Rev.  David  Henkel  to  visit  that  State  and  preach  and  vindi- 
cate the  distinctive  doctrines  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  He 
was  advised  to  go,  and  he  finally  agreed  so  to  do. 

Mr.  Samuel  C.  Parmer,  of  Tennessee,  applied  to  be 
received  under  the  care  of  Synod,  with  a  view  to  the  minis- 
try. He  was  received,  and  placed  under  the  care  of  Rev. 
Adam  Miller. 

Adam  Miller,  Jr. ,  was  examined  and  ordained  as  pastor, 
and  David  Forester  as  deacon,  and  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  ordain  J.  N.  Stirewalt  as  a  deacon  some  time 
during  the  synodical  year. 

It  was  resolved,  that  Synod  meet  in  its  next  session  in 
Zion's  Church,  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee,  twenty  miles 
west  of  Abingdon,  Virginia,  on  the  first  Sunday  in  Septem- 
ber, 1827. 

As  the  Divinity  of  Christ  was  called  into  question, 
both  from  the  pulpit  and  in  print,  Rev.  David  Henkel  was 
requested  to  write  a  book  on  that  subject.  He  consented 
to  do  so.     This  gave  rise  to  his  work  against  the  Unitarians. 

The  following  is  the  Parochial  Report : 

Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel  baptized  54  infants,  1  adult, 
and  2  slaves,  and  confirmed  10;  Rev.  Nehemiah  Bonham, 
40  infants,  10  adults,  and  5  slaves ;  Rev.  Christian  Moretz, 
83  infants,  1  adult,  and  4  slaves,  and  confirmed  14;  Rev. 
Adam  Miller,  Jr.,  53  infants,  1  adult,  and  1  slave ;  Rev. 
Adam  Miller,  Sr.,  216  infants  and  10  adults,  and  confirmed 
138;  Rev.  Daniel  Moser,  104  infants,  1  adult,  and  7  slaves; 
Rev.  George  Easterly,  52  infants,  2  adults,  and  2  slaves, 
and  confirmed  6 ;  Rev.  David  Henkel,  205  infants,  14 
adults,  and  7  slaves,  and  confirmed  83  ;  Rev.  Philip  Henkel, 
100  infants,  5  adults,  and  confirmed  30. 

Eighth  Session. 

Synod  met,  according  to  previous  appointment,  in 
Zion's  Church,  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee,  September  3, 
1827.     The    ministers  were    all    present   except   Revs.    H. 


72  HISTORY    OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

Riemenschneider,  Philip  Henkel,  Adam  Miller,  Sr.,  N, 
Bonham,  J.  Zink,  and  Deacon  Costner.  These  were 
excused. 

Rev.  David  Henkel  was  appointed  secretary  for  the 
synodical  year.  Both  the  German  and  English  languages, 
according  to  previous  resolution,  were  permitted  to  be  used 
during  the  sessions  of  Synod. 

The  committee,  appointed  at  the  previous  session,  to 
call  a  public  meeting  for  the  purpose  of  discussing  the  points 
of  doctrine,  on  which  there  were  differences,  and  invite 
ministers  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod  to  participate  with 
equal  rights,  reported,  stating,  that  the  meeting  was  appoint- 
ed and  regular  notice  given,  but  none  of  the  North  Carolina 
Synod  ministers  attended. 

By  those  assembled,  the  committee  were  requested  to 
make  another  similar  appointment  for  the  same  purpose. — 
Afterwards  the  committee  were  again  solicited  to  do  the 
same  thing,  try  another  assembly,  in  Lincoln  County,  North 
Carolina.  Hence,  another  meeting  was  called  to  assemble, 
for  the  same  purpose,  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  in  the  aforesaid 
County,  on  the  day  after  the  rising  of  the  North  Carolina 
Synod,  which  was  held  in  that  Church  ;  so  that  it  might  be 
convenient  for  the  ministers  of  that  Synod  to  be  present. — 
The  committee  reported  the  result  of  this  meeting  to  Synod, 
— which  was,  that  none  of  the  ministers  of  the  North  Caro- 
lina Synod  attended  the  meeting.  Revs.  Daniel  Moser  and 
David  Henkel  appeared,  and  after  the  latter  made  an  address, 
it  was  thought  there  was  no  use  in  pursuing  the  matter  any 
further  at  that  time,  as  there  was  no  one  to  discuss  with. — 
The  report  was  received  and  ordered  to  be  spread  on  the 
Minutes.  The  committee,  after  the  failure  of  this  meeting 
at  St.  Paul's,  requested  Rev.  David  Henkel  to  prepare  a 
paper,  showing  the  propriety  and  reasons  for  such  a  meet- 
ing and  such  discussion,  under  the  circumstances.  He  did 
so,  and  it  was  ordered  to  be  printed  in  the  Minutes  of  this 
session.     See  Minutes  of  1827. 

As  the  questions,  submitted  to  the  Pennsylvania  Synod 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  73 

and  the  address  to  the  Rev.  Muhlenberg,  have  not  been  an- 
swered, it  was  resolved,  with  a  view  of  obtaining  the  senti- 
ment of  several  synods,  as  well  as  of  individual  ministers, 
in  regard  to  the  differences,  that  Rev.  David  Henkel  pre- 
pare a  pastoral  address,  showing  the  position  of  this  Synod 
in  respect  to  true,  genuine  Lutheran  doctrine,  requesting 
synods  and  individual  ministers  to  manifest  their  approval 
or  disapproval  of  its  position.  Rev.  David  Henkel  was  re- 
quested to  prepare  this  pastoral  address  for  publication,  other 
ministers  giving  such  aid  as  deemed  proper.  He  agreed  to 
prepare  this  address  as  soon  as  time  would  admit.  This 
address  was  to  be  published  in  both  the  German  and  English. 

For  the  distribution  of  publications  and  good  books, 
special  agents  were  appointed,  who  were  to  be  aided  by  the 
ministers,  &c. 

Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel,  who  was  appointed  at  the  last 
session  of  Synod  to  procure  an  accurate  translation  of  Lu- 
ther's Small  Catechism,  submitted  the  manuscript  transla- 
tion to  Synod.  It  was  received,  and  after  the  Synod  spent 
a  day  in  examining  it,  and  finding  it  satisfactory,  he  was 
requested  to  have  it  published,  with  the  preliminary  obser- 
vations. This  was  probably  the  first  full,  direct  translation 
of  said  work  ever  published  in  this  country  in  the  English. 

Rev.  David  Henkel,  who  was  appointed  at  the  previous 
session  to  write  a  work  on  the  Person  and  Incarnation  of 
Christ,  reported  that  he  had  not  as  yet  completed  it,  owing 
to  a  press  of  other  engagements. 

At  the  request  of  some  of  the  lay-delegates,  Rev.  David 
Henkel  was  asked  to  make  an  English  translation  of  the 
entire  Augsburg  Confession  of  Faith.  He  agreed  to  under- 
take the  task,  provided  sufficient  time  be  allowed. 

As  the  constitution  of  Synod,  at  its  organization,  stands 
among  the  proceedings  of  Synod,  unseparated  from  them, 
as  it  were,  and  as  there  is  no  definite  distinction  between 
the  articles  that  are  unalterable  and  those  which  are,  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  remodel  and  improve  it.  This 
was  done,  and  after  a  careful  examination,  it  was  ordered 


74  HISTORY   OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

to  be  printed  in  connection  with  the  Minutes  of  this  session. 

A  resolution  was  passed  requiring  ministers  to  give  a 
very  careful  and  thorough  course  of  catechetical  instruction 
in  the  doctrines  and  practices  of  the  Church,  to  the  young 
and  inexperienced,  before  admitting  them  to  the  ancient 
rite  of  confirmation,  as  there  was  a  growing  negligence  in 
that  direction. 

Another  resolution  was  passed  admonishing  parents  to 
send  their  children  more  regularly  to  such  instructions,  and 
to  be  more  liberal  in  remunerating  ministers  for  their  serv- 
ices, especially  those  who  are  able  to  do  so. 

It  was  also  resolved,  that  those  having  a  view  to  enter- 
ing the  ministry,  should  take  a  respectable  course  in  literary 
training,  and  be  examined  in  regard  to  such  attainments,  as 
well  as  to  their  theological  acquirements,  before  entering  the 
ministry  ;  and  where  opportunities  present,  they  were  ad- 
vised to  study  the  Greek  and  Hebrew  languages,  as  well  as 
the  German  and  English. 

There  being  petitions  for  the  ordination  of  Mr.  John  N. 
Stirewalt,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  ordain  him  at  some 
future  time  during  the  year.  On  the  13th  day  of  October, 
1827,  he  was  ordained.  A  petition,  requesting  Mr.  Abraham 
Miller  of  Tennessee,  to  be  taken  under  the  care  of  Synod, 
with  a  view  to  the  ministry,  being  presented,  the  request 
was  granted. 

Then  follows  a  long  list  of  petitions  from  three  different 
States,  praying  for  ministerial  services.  Their  requests  were 
granted  as  far  as  possible. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  Lincoln 
County,  North  Carolina,  September  8,  1828.  No  parochial 
report  appears  for  this  session. 

Ninth  Session. 

Synod  convened  in  its  ninth  convention,  in  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina,  September  8,  1828, 
and  continued  till  the  13th. 

The  ministers  were  all  present,  except  Revs.  Riemen- 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  75 

Schneider,  Zink,  Adam  Miller,  Sr.,  and  Moretz,  and  Deacon 
J.  N.  Stirewalt.  These  having  rendered  sufficient  reasons 
for  their  absence,  were  excused. 

Thirty-four  delegates  were  present.  Three  applicants, 
preparing  for  the  ministry, — Messrs.  George  A.  Leopold, 
Ephraim  Rudisill,  and  John  Huggins, — after  examination, 
were  received  under  the  care  of  Synod. 

Rev.  David  Henkel  was  unanimously  elected  secretary, 
with  Mr.  Ephraim  Rudisill  as  his  assistant. 

It  was  recommended,  that  the  members  of  the  Church, 
who  are  able  to  do  so,  read  the  Christian  Book  of  Concord,  or 
the  Symbolical  Books  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church, 
and  that  students  of  theology  study  it  carefully.  This 
clearly  indicates  the  deep  interest  which  this  Synod  felt  re- 
lative to  the  true,  fundamental  doctrines  of  the  Church,  and 
how  it  desired  to  maintain  and  perpetuate  these  sound, 
Scriptural  principles. 

As  the  edition  of  the  English  hymn-book,  used  by 
the  Synod,  was  about  exhausted,  it  was  resolved,  that  it  be 
revised  and  improved,  and  that  Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel  pro- 
vide for  another  edition,  and  that  he  be  assisted  in  this 
work  by  Revs.  Paul  Henkel,  N.  Bonham,  G.  Easterly,  D. 
Henkel,  and  Adam  Miller,  Sr. 

With  a  view  to  the  edification  of  the  members  of  the 
Church,  it  was  resolved,  that  an  article  or  a  treatise  on  some 
doctrinal  subject  be  annually  printed  in  connection  with 
the  Minutes  of  the  Synod,  if  the  matter  meet  with  sufficient 
encouragement. 

This  course,  it  seems,  had  an  excellent  effect.  It  made 
the  people  better  acquainted  with  the  more  important  doc- 
trines of  the  Church,  and  caused  them  to  take  more  interest 
in  its  promotion. 

The  Secretary,  Rev.  David  Henkel,  was  requested  to 
write  a  treatise  on  the  subject  of  Prayer,  and  that  it  be 
printed  in  connection  with  the  proceedings  of  Synod.  This 
was  done,  and  it  is  worthy  of  re-publication  at  this  time. 
It  covers  twenty-three  pages.     Rev.  David  Henkel  reported 


76  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

that  the  work  which  he  was  requested  to  prepare   on  the 
Person  and  Incarnation  of  Qhrist,  was  completed. 

Twenty-six  petitions  were  received  from  congregations 
situated  in  the  following  States :  Virginia,  North  Carolina, 
Georgia,  Tennessee,  Indiana,  and  Ohio, — returning  thanks 
for  sendees  rendered  during  the  past,  and  praying  for  a 
continuation  of  such  services.  Arrangements  were  made 
to  supply  the  petitioners.  After  examination,  David  Fores- 
ter was  ordained  to  the  office  of  Pastor.  No  parochial 
report  appears  in  these  Minutes. 

Tenth  Session. 

The  tenth  session  was  held  in  Salem  Church,  Lincoln 
County,  North  Carolina,  from  the  7th  to  the  10th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1829. 

The  following  ministers  were  absent :  Revs.  Riemen- 
schneider,  Bonham,  Miller,  Sr.,  Easterly,  and  Forester,  and 
Deacon  Costner.  Twenty-three  delegates  were  present. 
The  absent  ministers,  having  rendered  satisfactory  reasons 
for  absence,  were  excused.  Only  eight  of  the  ministers 
presented  parochial  reports.  These  were  for  two  years,  and 
show  that  by  them  1,198  infants,  87  adults,  and  31  slaves 
were  baptized,  and  511  persons  were  confirmed. 

Twenty-seven  petitions  from  congregations  representing 
five  States  were  presented,  returning  thanks  for  sendees 
rendered,  and  praying  for  a  continuation  of  similar  sendees. 

Deacon  John  N.  Stirewalt  was  ordained  as  pastor. 

The  persons,  appointed  at  the  last  session,  to  revise, 
amend,  and  publish  the  Church  hymn-book,  having  de- 
clined the  undertaking  of  that  work,  for  various  reasons, 
Rev.  David  Henkel  was  appointed  to  compile  a  suitable 
hymn-book,  and  present  the  manuscript  to  some  future 
session  of  Synod  for  examination. 

Rev.  David  Henkel  was  requested  to  prepare  an  article 
on  Regeneration,  and  have  it  published  in  connection  with 
the  proceedings  of  Synod. 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  77 

In  view  of  intervening  circumstances  which  occurred 
since  the  session  of  1827,  it  was  deemed  unnecessary  to 
publish  the  pastoral  letter,  ordered  to  be  published,  at 
that  session. 

The  Secretary  was  requested  to  send  copies  of  the 
Minutes  of  this  session  to  the  German  Reformed  Synod  of 
Pennsylvania,  which  had  sent  ten  copies  of  its  proceedings 
to  this  Synod,  and  also  to  East  Pennsylvania  Synod  and 
the  Ohio  Synod, — each  ten  copies. 

At  his  request,  Mr.  John  Huggins,  theological  stu- 
dent, was  placed  under  the  special  care  of  Rev.  David 
Henkel. 

On  motion  of  Miles  Abernathy,  Esq* ,  the  sincere  thanks 
of  this  body  were  tendered  to  Dr.  Solomon  Henkel,  of  New 
Market,  Virginia,  for  the  kindness  and  liberality  manifested 
towards  this  Synod  in  printing  and  publishing  its  Minutes 
and  other  matter  from  time  to  time. 

Revs.  John  L.  Markert  and  Nehemiah  Bonham  were 
appointed  to  visit  all  the  congregations  in  connection  with 
Synod,  and  look  after  their  interests,  and  report  to  the  next 
meeting  of  Synod.  This  course,  it  appears,  had  a  good 
effect  on  the  congregations  and  ministers. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Cove  Creek  Church,  Green 
County,  Tennessee,  on  the  second  Sunday  of  Septem- 
ber,   1830. 

During  the  first  decade  the  number  of  ministers,  which 
was  six,  who  entered  it  at  its  organization,  was  increased  to 
seventeen,  and  five  theological  students, — an  increase  of 
nearly  two  hundred  per  cent.  During  this  time  one  minis- 
ter, Rev.  Jacob  Zink,  died,  and  the  name  of  one,  for  good 
and  sufficient  reasons,  was  dropped  from  the  clerical  roll 
of  the  Synod. 

The  number  of  baptisms  reported, — not  more  than  two- 
thirds  of  the  ministers  reported  regularly, — was  5,517  infants, 
443  adults,  and  205  slaves, — total,  6,165.  The  number 
confirmed  was  1 ,  902 .  The  number  of  congregations,  though 
no   regular  catalogue    of   them    appears    in    the    Minutes. 


78  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL, 

as  near  as  can  be  approximated  from  the  applications  for 
reception  in  connection  with  the  Synod,  was  more  than 
thribbled  during  that  period.  The  labors  of  the  Synod  ex- 
tended into  nine  States, — Tennessee,  North  Carolina,  Ken- 
tucky, Missouri,  Virginia,  Indiana,  South  Carolina,  Georgia, 
and  Ohio, — sowing  the  seeds  of  sound  Gospel  doctrine. 
Perhaps  there  was  no  Synod  at  that  time  which  did  as  much 
work,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  laborers,  as  this 
Synod  did. 

SECOND    DECADE. 

Eleventh  Session. 

The  eleventh  session  of  this  Synod  was  held  in  Em- 
manuel Church,  Green  County,  Tennessee,  beginning  Sep- 
tember 13,   1830. 

It  seems,  that  only  four  of  the  pastors,  with  seventeen 
lay-delegates,  were  present  at  this  session.  The  others, 
having  rendered  satisfactory  excuses  for  their  absence,  were 
excused.  Rev.  Philip  Henkel  was  elected  secretary.  Very 
little  business  was  transacted.  Six  petitions,  four  of  which 
were  from  the  State  of  Indiana,  were  received,  praying  for 
ministerial  services.  Their  requests  were  answered  as  far 
as  it  was  possible  to  do  at  that  time.  Mr.  Eusebius  Henkel 
was  received  as  a  student  of  theology,  and  put  under  the 
special  care  of  his  father  Rev.  Philip  Henkel  and  Rev. 
George  Easterly.  Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Buehler's 
Church,  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee,  on  the  second  Sunday 
of  September,  1831. 

Twelfth  Session. 

The  twelfth  session  of  this  Synod  was  held  in  Buehler's 
Church,  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee,  commencing  Septem- 
ber 12th,  and  continued  to  Friday,  the  16th,  1831. 

Nine  ministers  were  present,  and  twenty-five  lay-dele- 
gates. The  absentees  were  excused.  Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel 
was  elected  secretary.  The  committee  on  letters  and  peti- 
tions consisted  of  Revs.  Philip  Henkel,  Ambrose  Henkel, 
and  Mr.  Irenius  N.   Henkel.     On  hearing  the  sad  intelli- 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  79 

gence  of  the  death  of  Rev.  David  Henkel,  the  following 
persons  were  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  an  obituary 
on  his  death :  Revs.  Daniel  Moser  and  Adam  Miller,  Jr. , 
and  Messrs.  Philip  Rudisill  and  Henry  Goodman. 

The  applicants  for  the  ministry  were  Mr.  William  C. 
Rankin,  of  Green  County,  Tennessee,  and  Mr.  Henry 
Goodman,  of  Rowan  County,  North  Carolina. 

Petitions  asking,  that  Mr.  W.  C.  Rankin,  formerly  a 
licentiate  of  the  Presbyterian  Church ,  be  ordained  to  the 
office  of  Pastor,  being  submitted,  after  examination  and 
confirmation,  Mr.  Rankin  was  ordained  to  that  office. 

Mr.  John  Huggins,  of  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina, 
an  applicant  for  the  ministry,  applied  for  license  to  preach 
and  baptize,  but  as  he  had  no  call  from  congregations  to 
that  effect,  his  request  was  not  granted. 

At  the  request  of  Mr.  John  Easterly,  a  former  applicant 
for  the  ministry,  he  was  placed  under  the  care  of  Rev. 
Philip  Henkel,  as  a  student  of  theology. 

After  examination,  Mr.  Henry  Goodman  was  ordained 
to  the  office  of  Deacon. 

Thirty-three  petitions,  returning  thanks  for  past  serv- 
ices and  prajdng  for  a  continuance  of  the  same,  were  received, 
and  their  requests  granted.  Among  these,  there  were 
several  new  congregations. 

Rev.  Philip  Henkel  reported  that  he  had  organized 
five  congregations  in  Indiana, — the  first  in  Clear  Creek 
township,  Monroe  County ;  the  second  in  Beanblossom 
township,  Monroe  County;  the  third  in  Park  County;  the 
fourth  in  Whiteriver  township,  Morgan  County,  and  the 
fifth  on  Whiteriver  Bluff,  Johnson  County,  Indiana. 

The  Synod  being  informed  that  Greenville  College, 
Tennessee,  was  not  under  the  control  of  any  denomination, 
but  a  State  institution,  it  was  recommended  to  those  who 
wished  to  take  a  regular  literary  course. 

Rev.  David  Henkel,  who  had  been  appointed  to  com- 
pile a  hymn-book,  having  departed  this  life,  Rev.  Ambrose 
Henkel  was  appointed  to  attend  to  that  matter,  with  the  privi- 


So  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

lege  of  selecting  such  person  as  he  deemed  proper  to  assist 
him  ;  and  so,  too,  in  regard  to  securing  a  translation  of  the 
Augsburg  Confession,  and  submit  it  to  Synod  for  exami- 
nation. 

The  Parochial  Report, — only  six  of  the  ministers  report- 
ing,— shows  that  during  this  and  the  past  year  876  infants, 
65  adults,  and  37  slaves  were  baptized,  and  320  persons 
were  confirmed. 

It  was  resolved, «that  the  Synod  meet,  in  its  next  session, 
in  or  near  Organ  Church,  Rowan  County,  North  Carolina, 
on  the  second  Sunday  of  September,  1832. 

The  committee  on  obituary,  submitted  the  following, 
which  was  received,  adopted,  and  ordered  to  be  printed  in 
connection  with  the  Minuted: 

Obituary  of  Rev.  David  Henkel. — We,  the  members  of  the  com- 
mittee, appointed  to  report  the  particulars  relative  to  the  last 
illness,  death,  &c,  of  our  worthy  and  highly  esteemed  brother  in 
Christ,  the  Rev.  David  Henkel  (son  of  the  Rev.  Paul  Henkel),  a 
member  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  beg  leave  to 
submit  the  following  : 

This  much  esteemed  and  venerable  fellow-laborer,  having  finished 
the  work  assigned  him  by  Divine  Providence,  departed  this  life,  June 
15,  1 83 1,  at  9  o'clock  in  the  morning,  to  the  great  grief  of  his  friends 
and  relatives  ;  aged  thirty-six  years,  one  month,  and  eleven  days.  He 
was  born  in  Staunton,  Augusta  County,  Virginia,  May  4,  1795.  His 
last  illness  was  Dyspepsia,  which  disabled  him  from  officiating  in  a 
public  capacity  for  the  term  of  nine  mouths.  He  bore  his  afflictions 
with  a  perfect  resignation  to  the  will  of  his  Divine  Redeemer.  He 
embarked  in  the  cause  of  his  blessed  Savior  when  a  youth  (A.  D.  181 2). 
And  we  are  happy  to  say,  to  the  praise  of  this  worthy  servant  of  Christ, 
that  his  assiduity  and  vigilance  to  study  and  deep  researches  into  the 
truth  of  Divine  Revelation  have  seldom  been  equaled  by  any.  He 
remained  immovable  in  the  doctrines  he  promulgated  to  the  end  of  his 
life.  This  venerable  servant  of  the  Lord  had  to  endure  many  trials, 
crosses,  and  temptations,  but  he  maintained  his  integrity  through 
them  all,  trusting  to  the  promises  of  his  Redeemer  ;  and  notwithstand- 
ing the  difficulties  he  had  to  encounter,  he  left  a  bright  example  to 
succeeding  pilgrims.  His  ardent  desire  for  the  promotion  of  his  Re- 
deemer's Kingdom,  and  his  love  of  truth,  caused  him  to  submit  cheer- 
fully to  the  difficulties  connected  with  his  official  labors.  When  on 
his   death-bed,    being   interrogated   by  his   friends,   whether   he   still 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  8 1 

remained  steadfast  in  the  doctrines  which  he  had  taught,  he  confidents- 
answered  in  the  affirmative.  Being  again  asked,  whether  he  feared 
death,  he  replied  in  the  negative.  The  last  words  which  he  was  heard 
to  utter,  were  :  "  O  Lord  Jesus,  thou  Son  of  God,  receive  my  spirit  /" 
and  in  a  few  moments  expired. 

He  entered  into  the  holy  estate  of  matrimony  with  Miss  Catharine, 
Heyl  (Hoyle),  daughter  of  Hon.  Peter  Heyl  (Hoyle),  of  near  Lincoln- 
ton,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina. 

The  perishable  remains  of  this  worthy  brother  were  followed  to 
the  grave  by  his  loving  companion  and  seven  children,  together  with 
a  numerous  train  of  mourners,  who  were  left,  to  lament  the  loss  of  a 
kind  father,  an  affectionate  husband,  a  friend  and  benefactor.  The 
body  is  deposited  at  St.  John's  Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Caro- 
lina. The  funeral  sermon  was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Daniel  Moser, 
from  Phil,  i,  21 — "  For  to  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain." 

Lord  so  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may  apply  our 
hearts  to  wisdom  ! 

The  committee,  appointed  to  draught  the  obituary  notice  of  the 
Rev.  David  Henkel,  requested  the  Secretary  to  add  any  particulars 
relative  to  his  ministerial  labors  and  writings  which  he  may  be  able 
to  obtain. 

In  conformity  with  the  above  request,  I  am  enabled,  from  notes 
made  by  my  lamented  brother  during  his  life  time  and  other  sources 
of  information,  to  which  I  have  had  access,  to  give  the  following  par- 
ticulars, viz. : 

He  commenced  his  Gospel  labors  at  St.  Peter's  Church,  in  South 
Carolina,  where  he  preached  his  first  sermon,  November  the  1st,  1812, 
from  which  period  up  to  the  time  he  preached  his  last  sermon  at 
Philadelphia  Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina,  on  Sunday, 
the  1 2th  of  August,  1830,  where  he  administered  the  Lord's  Supper, — 
which  concluded  upwards  of  three  thousand  and  two  hundred  sermons  ; 
delivered  generally  to  crowded  and  attentive  congregations.  He  bap- 
tized two  thousand  nine  hundred  and  ninety-seven  infants,  and  two 
hundred  and  forty-three  adults,  and  he  confirmed  one  thousand  one 
hundred  and  five  persons. 

During  the  whole  course  of  his  ministry,  which  was  distinguished 
for  industry  and  perseverance,  in  the  cause  of  his  Divine  Master,  he 
traveled  in  all  seasons,  even  the  most  inclement,  and  frequently 
preached  two  and  three  times  in  a  day,  in  the  German  and  English 
languages.  Besides  which  he  maintained  an  extensive  correspondence 
with  many  individuals,  distinguished  for  piety  and  learning,  and  wrote 
the  following  works : 

His  first  work,  containing  a  sermon,   entitled,    "The  Essence  of 


82  HISTORY   OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

the  Christian  Religion,  and  Reflections  on  Futurity,"  was  published 
in  1817. 

His  second,  called  "The  Carolinian  Herald  of  Liberty,  Religious 
and  Political,"  published  in  1821. 

His  third,  "Objections  to  the  Constitution  of  the  General  Synod," 
made  its  appearance,  annexed  to  the  Minutes  of  the  Tennessee  Synod, 
held  in  1821. 

His  fourth,  entitled  "The  Heavenly  Flood  of  Regeneration,  or 
Treatise  on  Holy  Baptism,"  published  in  1822. 

His  fifth,  "  An  Answer  to  Joseph  Moore,"  who  wrote  in  opposition 
to  the  doctrines  contained  in  his  Heavenly  Flood,  published  in  1825. 

He  then  draughted  6thly  the  Constitution,  together  with  the 
remarks  thereon,  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  in 
182S  :  and  annexed  to  the  Minutes  of  the  same  year,  his  Treatise  on 
Prayer  appeared. 

His  seventh,  A  Translation  from  the  German  of  Luther's  Small 
Catechism,  with  Preliminary  Observations  by  the  translator,  published 
in  1829. 

His  eighth,  "An  Essay  on  Regeneration,"  published  in  1S30. 

His  ninth,  "A  Treatise  on  the  Person  and  Incarnation  of  Jesus 
Christ,  in  which  some  of  the  principal  arguments  of  the  Unitarians  are 
examined,"  which  has  just  left  the  press. 

Thirteenth  Session. 

The  thirteenth  session  of  this  Synod  was  held  in  Phan- 
uel's  Church,  Rowan  County,  North  Carolina,  from  the 
tenth  to  the  fifteenth  of  September,  1832. 

On  Saturday  and  Sunday,  the  usual  services  were  held. 
Only  four  ministers  were  in  attendance,  and  twenty-four 
lay-delegates.  None  of  the  absentees,  except  Rev.  Philip 
Henkel  and  Deacon  Costner,  having  sent  in  sufficient 
reasons  for  their  absence,  were  excused  for  their  non- 
attendance.     Rev.  J.  N.  Stirewalt  was  appointed  secretary. 

Charges  having  been  preferred,  by  Rev.  N.  Bonham 
and  others,  against  Rev.  W.  C.  Rankin,  of  deviation,  from 
the  Augsburg  Confession  of  Faith,  both  in  regard  to  doc- 
trine and  practice,  Mr.  Rankin  was  notified  to  attend  the 
next  session,  and  answer  the  charges. 

Twenty-two  petitions  of  the  usual  import,  relative  to 
services,  &c,  were  presented,  and  received  such  action  as 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  83 

they  deserved.  Among  these,  there  were  petitions  for  the 
examination  and  ordination  of  Deacon  Henry  Goodman. 
Having  sustained  his  examination,  he  was  ordained  to  the 
office  of  Pastor. 

The  place  and  time  for  the  next  meeting,  resulted  in 
favor  of  St.  John's  Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina, 
as  the  place,  and  the  second  Sunday  of  September,  1833,  as 
the  time. 

The  Parochial  Report,  only  five  ministers  reporting, — 
one,  however,  Rev.  Adam  Miller,  Sr.,  for  three  years, — ■ 
shows  808  infants,  69  adults,  and  41  slaves,  baptized,  and 
253  confirmed. 

Fourteenth  Session. 

Pursuant  to  previous  appointment,  Synod  met  in  St. 
John's  Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina,  Monday, 
September  9th,  and  continued  till  the  12th,  1833. 

Saturday  and  Sunday  previous  were  occupied  with 
services  suitable  to  these  days. 

The  ministers,  with  applicant  Eusebius  S.  Henkel,  and 
thirty-three  lay-delegates,  representing  forty-three  congre- 
gations, were  all  present,  except  Revs.  Forester,  Bonham, 
Adam  Miller,  Jr.,  Moretz,  Markert,  and  Deacon  Costner. 

A  president  and  a  secretary  were  elected, — Secretary, 
Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel. 

In  view  of  satisfactory  reasons  rendered  for  absence,  all 
the  absentees,  except  Rev.  C.  Moretz,  were  excused. 

Relative  to  the  charges  preferred  against  Rev.  W.  C. 
Rankin  by  Rev.  N.  Bonham,  at  the  previous  session,  Rev. 
Bonham  being  unable  to  be  present  during  this  meeting, 
and  Rev.  Rankin  desiring  to  withdraw  from  this  body,  in  a 
friendly  manner,  the  matter  was  not  investigated,  and  the 
name  of  Rev.  Rankin  was  dropped  from  the  clerical  roll. 

With  respect  to  the  translation  of  the  Augsburg  Con- 
fession, which  Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel  was  requested,  at  the 
session  of  1831,  to  procure,  he  submitted  to  Synod  a  trans- 
lation, made  by  his  brother  Rev.  Charles  Henkel,  of  Ohio, 


84  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

with  proof-sheets,  for  examination.  But  a  press  of  urgent 
business  being  before  Synod,  it  could  not  devote  time 
enough  for  a  careful  examination.  Hence,  each  member 
having  a  copy  in  proof-sheet  form,  was  requested  to  exam- 
ine it  carefully,  as  soon  as  possible,  and  send  him  such 
suggestions  as  each  deemed  proper. 

Twenty-seven  petitions  from  different  States  were  pre- 
sented, classified,  and  acted  on.  They  expressed  satisfaction 
with  the  services  they  had  received  from  Synod,  and  a 
desire  for  further  services.  Some  of  these  asked  for  the 
publication  of  a  good  article  or  a  sermon  in  connection  with 
the  Minutes,  and  others,  for  the  ordination  of  Eusebius  S. 
Henkel  and  Irenius  Henkel  to  the  office  of  Deacon.  In 
regard  to  the  latter,  as  he  was  absent,  no  action  could  be 
taken  at  this  meeting.  The  former,  having  sustained  his 
examination,  was  ordained  to  that  office. 

A  letter  having  been  received  from  Mr.  Ephraim  Con- 
rad, of  Wayne  County,  Missouri,  asking  to  be  received 
under  the  care  of  Synod,  as  an  applicant  for  the  ministry, 
his  request  was  granted. 

It  was  ordered,  that  a  sermon  on  the  Lord's  Supper, 
translated  from  the  German  of  Arndt's  Postil,  be  connected 
with  the  Minutes,  and  that  they  be  printed  in  the  German 
and  English.  Frederick  Hoke,  Esq.,  of  Lincoln  County, 
North  Carolina,  was  appointed  to  contract  for  the  printing 
of  the  Minutes. 

Rev.  Philip  Henkel  was  appointed  to  prepare  the  trans- 
lation of  the  aforesaid  sermon.  It  was  resolved,  that  the 
next  session  of  Synod  be  held  in  Rader's  Church,  Rocking- 
ham County,  Virginia,  commencing  on  the  second  Sunday 
of  September,  1834.* 

Rev.  Philip  Henkel  was  also  requested  to  prepare  for 
publication  a  Dissertation  on  the  Person  of  Jesus  Christ,  as 


*NoTK. — It  appears,  that,  in  consequence  of  high  waters  and  other 
causes,  scarcely  any  ministers  were  able  to  reach  the  place  of  meeting  ; 
and,  hence,  no  regular  session  of  Synod  was  held  there  ;  nor  were  there 
any  proceedings  printed  for  that  year. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  85 

•extant  in  the  Christian  Book  of  Concord,  and  submit  it  to 
the  next  session. 

During  the  past  year,  nine  ministers  reporting, — one 
for  several  years, — 801  infants,  56  adults,  and  17  slaves,  were 
baptized,  and  399  persons  confirmed. 

The  death  of  Rev.  Philip  Henkel  being  announced,  be- 
fore the  Minutes  had  passed  through  the  press,  the  follow- 
ing obituary,  prepared  by  the  Secretary,  was  appended  to 
the  Minutes  : 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Philip  Henkel. — Before  these  Minutes  could  be 
put  to  press,  the  sad  and  heartbreaking  news  was  received,  that  our 
much  beloved  brother  and  fellow-laborer,  in  the  Lord's  vineyard,  the 
Rev.  Philip  Henkel,  departed  this  life,  October  9,  1833. 

For  the  satisfaction  of  his  friends  and  relatives,  we  subjoin  the  fol- 
lowing brief  account : 

The  deceased  was  a  sou  of  the  Rev.  Paul  Henkel,  and  a  fellow- 
member  of  the  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  of  which  he  also  was  one  of 
the  first  framers.  He  was  born  on  the  23d  September,  1779,  in  Pendle- 
ton County,  Virginia. 

In  early  life  he  imbibed  the  principles  of  Ae  Christian  religion, 
and  in  a  short  time  became  a  zealous  defender  of  the  same.  In  1800, 
he  commenced  his  Gospel  labors  in  the  Lord's  vineyard,  in  whose 
service  he  continued  with  undaunted  zeal,  for  38  years  and  3  months, 
during  which  time  he  preached  upwards  of  four  thousand  three  hun- 
dred and  fifty  sermons,  of  which  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  were 
funeral  sermons.  He  baptized  four  thousand  one  hundred  and  fifteen 
infants,  and  three  hundred  and  twenty-five  adults  ;  and  confirmed  to 
the  Christian  Church  one  thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty  persons. 

At  the  present  session  of  our  Synod,  we  frequently  had  the  pleasure 
of  hearing  him  proclaim  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ.  Here  he  was  also, 
(but  alas,  for  the  last  time  ! )  nominated  President  of  our  Synod.  And 
after  the  close  of  the  Synod,  he  proceeded,  in  good  health,  to  visit  the 
congregations  in  Guilford  and  the  adjacent  counties.  After  he  had 
arrived  in  Randolph  County,  North  Carolina,  he  preached  in  Richland 
Church,  on  September  ^2 1st,  from  Col.  3,  1-5.  (His  last  sermon  on  this 
earthly  stage  ! )  Being  invited  by  a  neighboring  friend,  he  retired  to 
his  house,  where  he  was  at  the  same  evening  attacked  with  the  bilious 
fever,  to  which,  after  a  short  illness,  he  fell  a  victim.  He  departed  this 
life  on  Wednesday,  the  9th  of  October,  1833.  On  the  day  following,  he 
was  buried  at  Richland  Church. 

His  earthly  abode  was  54  years  and  17  days.  A  short  time  before 
he  expired,  he  said  :  "  If  it  is  the  will  of  the  Lord,  to  take  me  to  rest, 


86  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

I  am  willing."     And   then  repeated  the  following  lines  (which  also 
were  the  last  words  that  were  heard  from  his  lips): 
"  Christ  is  my  life  alone, 

To  die  is  gain  for  me  ; 

I  give  myself  to  be  his  own  : 

O  may  I  ever  with  him  be." 

Fifteenth  Session. 

Synod  met  in  its  fifteenth  session,  in  Blue  Spring 
Church,  Green  County,  Tennessee,  on  September  14th,  and 
continued  to  the  17th,  1835. 

Appropriate  services  were  held  on  Saturday  and  Sun- 
day previous,  and  the  Lord's  Supper  administered  to  a  large 
number  of  devout  communicants. 

About  one-half  of  the  ministers,  with  five  applicants 
for  the  ministry, — Messrs.  Daniel  L.  Schoolfield,  Henry 
Wetzel,  Christian  G.  Reitzel,  Samuel  C.  Parmer,  and  Wm. 
Hancher, — and  twenty  lay-delegates,  representing  twenty- 
nine  congregations,  were  present. 

After  the  election  of  a  president,  Rev.  Adam  Miller  was 
appointed  secretary. 

The  Minutes  of  1833  were  read,  as  well  as  a  printed 
letter  from  Rev.  A.  Henkel,  in  which  he  informed  Synod, 
that  very  few  members  had  attended  the  appointment  for  the 
meeting  of  Synod  in  Rader's  Church,  Rockingham  County, 
Virginia,  in  1834,  and  that  consequently  very  little  business 
was  transacted,  except  the  reading  of  the  letters  addressed 
to  Synod,  which  letters  were  left  in  his  care,  to  be  forwarded 
to  the  next  meeting  of  Synod.  The  usual  committees  were 
appointed.  The  absentees,  on  proper  reasons,  were  excused 
for  their  non-attendance. 

A  letter  was' received  from  Rev.  Eusebius  S.  Henkel, 
of  Indiana,  that  they  intend  to  organize  a  Synod  in  that 
State, — a  move  which  this  Synod  heartily  approved,  asking 
the  blessing  of  God  to  rest  upon  their  labors. 

A  large  number  of  petitions,  expressing  thanks  for  serv- 
ices received,  asking  the  blessing  of  God  on  the  work  of 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  87 

the  Synod,  requesting  a  continuance  of  services,  suggesting 
that  suitable  articles  be  appended  to  the  Minutes,  &c,  were 
received,  and  properly  acted  upon. 

Among  these  is  a  petition  from  Wythe,  Smyth,  and 
Washington  Counties,  Virginia,  in  which  the  petitioners 
state  their  withdrawal  from  the  North  Carolina  Synod, 
together  with  their  pastor,  Rev.  Andrew  Sechrist,  whose 
name,  for  sufficient  reasons,  had  been  dropped  from  the 
clerical  roll  of  this  Synod,  and  desire  to  be  received  with 
their  pastor  into  this  Synod.  Rev.  Sechrist,  having  con- 
fessed, that  experience  had  taught  him,  that,  in  withdraw- 
ing from  S3rnod,  he  had  committed  an  error,  for  which  he 
was  sorry,  and  solemnly  pledged  himself  to  teach  and  prac- 
tice according  to  the  Holy  Scriptures  and  the  Augsburg 
Confession  of  Faith,  he  and  his  congregations  were  received 
in  connection  with  Synod. 

Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel  submitted  sufficient  reasons  for 
the  delay  in  regard  to  the  publication  of  the  Church  hymn- 
book. 

Messrs.  C.  G.  Reitzel  and  D.  S.  Schoolfield  were  ex- 
amined with  respect  to  their  qualifications. 

Rev.  A.  Henkel  was  respectfully  requested  to  complete 
the  hymn-book  as  soon  as  practicable. 

There  being  a  great  demand  for  books,  and  especially 
for  English  Catechisms,  the  Secretary  was  requested  to 
write  to  Dr.  Solomon  Henkel,  New  Market,  Virginia,  rela- 
tive to  that  matter,  calling  for  catechisms  and  other  useful 
books. 

Rev.  Philip  Henkel,  who  was  requested  to  prepare  a 
translation  from  the  Christian  Book  of  Concord,  on  the 
Person  of  Christ,  and  submit  it  to  this  meeting  of  Synod  for 
examination  and  publication,  having  departed  this  life,  the 
translation  was  made  by  the  Secretary,  assisted  by  Mr.  J. 
R.  Moser,  as  it  appears  in  connection  with  the  Minutes  of 
this  session. 

In  regard  to  publications,  the  Synod  took  the  following 
action  : 


88  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

Inasmuch  as  this  body  deem  it  highly  important  that 
the  writings  of  the  late  Rev.  David  Henkel  be  printed  and 
bound,  so  that  they  may  be  handed  down  to  future  genera- 
tions, be  it  resolved,  that  the  Secretary  be  directed  to  corre- 
spond with  Dr.  Solomon  Henkel  relative  to  this  matter,  and 
report  the  result  of  his  correspondence  to  the  next  meeting 
of  Synod. 

The  following  applicants,  Messrs.  Hancher,  Reitzel, 
Schoolfield,  and  Parmer,  having  sustained  their  examina- 
tions, were  ordained  to  the  office  of  Deacon. 

Philadelphia  Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina, 
was  chosen  as  the  place  for  the  next  meeting  of  Synod,  and 
the  second  Sunday  of  September,  1836,  as  the  time. 

The  Parochial  Report  shows  that  1 130  infants,  63  adults, 
and  41  slaves  were  baptized,  and  515  persons  confirmed. 

After  the  close  of  the  Synod,  the  Secretary  received  a 
letter  directed  to  Synod,  by  Rev.  John  L,.  Markert,  of 
Indiana,  written  by  order  of  and  in  the  name  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Lutheran  Synod  of  Indiana,  in  which  he  states,  that 
the  suffering  condition  of  the  Church  in  the  West,  pressed 
upon  them  from  all  directions,  to  adopt  some  plan  to  with- 
stand the  enemy.  For  this  purpose  councils  were  held  and 
propositions  made,  and  the  final  result  was  the  organization 
of  a  synod.  A  meeting  was  held  in  Johnson  County,  Indi- 
ana, on  the  third  Sunday  of  August,  1835,  and  after  proper 
consultation,  the  Constitution  of  the  Tennessee  Synod  was 
received  and  adopted,  and  the  organization  effected.  In 
that  letter,  they  entreat  their  brethren  of  the  Tennessee 
Synod  not  to  consider  this  course  as  an  intention  to  sepa- 
rate from  them,  but  as  a  means  of  strengthening  the  same 
cause. 

The  ministers  of  the  Tennessee  Synod  who  effected 
that  organization,  were  Revs.  J.  L.  Markert,  Christian 
Moretz,  and  Eusebius  S.  Henkel. 

Sixteenth  Session. 
This  session  was  held  in  Philadelphia  Church,  Lincoln 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  89 

County,  North  Carolina,  beginning  on  the  12th  and  closing 
on  the  16th  of  September,  1836. 

On  Saturday  and  Sunday  previous  appropriate  services 
were  conducted  and  suitable  sermons  preached,  both  in  the 
German  and  English  languages,  and  the  Lord's  Supper 
administered  to  240  communicants. 

Only  about  one-half  of  the  ministers,  with  four  appli- 
cants and  twenty-seven  lay-delegates,  were  present. 

The  applicants  were  Messrs.  Henry  Wetzel,  from 
Wythe  County,  Virginia,  Abel  J.  Brown,  Jacob  Killian, 
and  Jonathan  R.  Moser,   Lincoln  County,   North  Carolina. 

After  the  election  of  a  president,  Mr.  J.  R.  Moser  was 
appointed  secretary.  Very  few  of  the  absentees  were  ex- 
cused, and  a  resolution  passed  urging  the  ministers  to  be 
more  faithful  and  regular  in  attending  the  meetings  of 
Synod.  Mr.  George  Wetzel,  of  Wythe  County,  Virginia, 
was  admitted  to  a  seat  and  vote  in  Synod.  The  Secretary 
of  the  previous  session,  appointed  to  correspond  with  Dr. 
Solomon  Henkel  relative  to  supplying  the  books  desired  by 
Synod  for  circulation,  reported  rather  favorably.  An  agent 
to  attend  to  this  matter  was  appointed.  The  books  mostly 
in  demand  just  at  that  time  were  David  Henkel  on  the 
Person  and  Incarnation  of  Christ,  his  Answer  to  Joseph 
Moore,  and  the  English  Catechism. 

A  letter  having  been  received  from  Mr.  Jonah  Hottel, 
Esq.,  of  Wythe  County,  Virginia,  in  which  charges  were 
preferred  against  Rev.  Andrew  Sechrist,  and  the  latter 
having  received  no  previous  notice  of  such  preferment,  so 
as  to  enable  him  to  prepare  for  defending  himself  against 
these  charges,  the  matter  was  deferred,  for  investigation, 
till  the  next  meeting,  Mr.  Sechrist  agreeing  to  cease  his 
ministerial  work  till  the  case  shall  have  been  adjusted. 
Notwithstanding  this  fraternal  course  on  the  part  of  the 
Synod,  it  seems,  Mr.  Sechrist  absented  himself  from  further 
attendance  during  this  session  of  Synod,  without  leave. 
For  this  course  of  conduct  he  was  censured  by  the  Synod. 

Mr.  Solomon  S.    Miles,    of  Lancaster   District,   South 


90  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

Carolina,  having  appeared  in  the  presence  of  Synod,  and 
stated  his  intention  of  re-publishing  Luther's  Commentary 
on  Galatians,  in  the  English  language,  the  Synod  recom- 
mended the  work  and  encouraged  Mr.  Miles  in  this  enterprise. 
The  usual  petitions  received  proper  attention.  The  peti- 
tion for  the  examination  and  ordination  of  deacons  S.  C. 
Parmer  and  William  Hancher  to  the  office  of  Pastor,  and 
applicants  Abel  J.  Brown,  Jacob  Killian,  and  Jonathan  R. 
Moser  to  the  office  of  Deacon,  were  taken  into  consideration. 
These  candidates  for  the  ministry  having  sustained  favora- 
ble examinations,  were  regularly  ordained  to  the  offices 
indicated  in  the  petitions,  except  Mr.  Parmer  who  was  ab- 
sent, and  consequently  could  not  submit  to  the  requirements 
necessary  for  ordination.  Mr.  H.  Wetzel  was  continued  as 
a  student  of  theology. 

It  was  resolved,  that  the  Minutes  be  printed  in  German 
and  English,  and  that  a  sermon  of  Luther's  be  appended. 
The  agent  was  requested  to  send  copies  of  the  Minutes  to 
the  recent  Indiana  Synod.  Only  four  ministers  reporting, 
the  Parochial  Report  shows  490  infants,  20  adults,  and  14 
slaves  baptized,  and  11.3  confirmed.  The  death  of  Rev. 
John  N.  vStirewalt  being  announced,  it  was  resolved,  that  a 
suitable  obituary  notice  be  prepared  and  appended  to  the 
Minutes.  But  it  appears  that  for  the  want  of  proper  infor- 
mation relative  to  Mr.  Stirewalt,  the  publication  of  the 
obituary  was  delayed  till  the  next  session. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Koiner's  Church,  Augusta 
County,  Virginia,  on  the  second  Sunday  in  September,  1837. 

Seventeenth  Session. 

According  to  adjournment,  Synod  convened  in  Koiner's 
Church,  Augusta  County,  Virginia,  on  Monday,  the  nth  of 
September,  and  continued  its  sessions  to  the  15th,  1837. 

Saturday  and  Sunday  were  devoted  to  religious  service**, 
preaching,  confession  and  absolution,  and  the  dispensation 
of  the  Lord's  Supper. 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  9 1 

On  Monday,  the  Synod  was  organized,  by  the  election 
of  a  president  and  Rev.  J.  R.  Moser  as  secretary. 

Rev.  John  J.  Riemenschneider,  a  member  of  the  Ohio 
Synod,  being  present,  was  received  as  an  advisory  member 
of  Synod.  Mr.  Peter  Wetzel  was  taken  under.the  care  of 
Synod  as  a  student  of  theology.  A  part  of  the  absentees 
were  excused. 

A  letter  having  been  received  from  Rev.  Andrew  Se- 
christ,  assigning  reasons  for  his  absence,  but  making  no  refer- 
ence to  the  charges  preferred  against  him,  at  the  previous 
session,  it  was  deemed  proper  to  appoint  a  committee  to  take 
into  consideration  his  case  and  report  to  Synod.  The  com- 
mittee consisted  of  Revs.  William  Hancher  and  D.  S.  School- 
field,  and  Mr.  Jacob  Stirewalt. 

After  due  consideration,  this  committee  submitted  the 
following  report :  Whereas,  at  the  last  session  of  this  Synod, 
serious  charges  were  preferred  against  Rev.  Andrew  Se- 
christ,  and  whereas  he  was  notified  by  Synod  to  appear  at 
this  meeting  and  defend  himself  against  these  charges,  and 
whereas  he  has  failed  to  appear  in  person,  or  to  write  any- 
thing in  justification  of  his  course,  and  whereas  the  charges 
are  of  such  a  nature  as  to  disparage  the  ministerial  office, 
we,  your  committee,  recommend,  that  he  be  no  longer  re- 
garded as  a  minister  in  connection  with  this  Synod.  This 
report  was  received  and  adopted. 

The  petitions,  numbering  thirty-four,  of  the  usual 
character,  received  proper  attention.  Among  these,  there 
was  a  petition  from  Probst  Church,  Pendleton  County,  Vir- 
ginia, now  West  Virginia,  asking  to  be  received  by  Synod, 
and  recommending  Mr.  A.  S.  Link  as  a  suitable  person  for 
the  ministry  ;  and  other  petitions  asking  for  the  examina- 
tion and  ordination  of  candidates  for  the  ministry. 

Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel,  who  had  been  appointed,  by 
Synod,  to  compile  and  prepare  matter  for  an  English  hymn- 
book,  and  submit  the  manuscript  to  Synod  for  examination, 
presented  the  copy.  A  committee,  consisting  of  Revs.  H. 
Goodman  and  Wm.   Hancher,  and  Messrs.  Wm.  Wolford, 


92  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

R.  Leineberger,  and  Peter  Wetzel,  were  appointed  for  that 
purpose.  After  careful  examination,  the  committee  sub- 
mitted a  favorable  report,  suggesting,  that  if  any  of  the  mem- 
bers of  Synod  desired  to  examine  the  work  more  thoroughly, 
they  might  do  so,  and  report  any  desirable  changes  to  the 
compiler.     The  report  was  adopted. 

Relative  to  a  letter  received  from  Rev.  Adam  Miller, 
Jr.,  in  regard  to  the  Augsburg  Confession,  it  was  resolved, 
that  Dr.  Solomon  Henkel  correspond  with  Rev.  Miller  with 
respect  to  that  matter. 

According  to  resolution,  the  proceedings  of  this  meet- 
ing were  to  be  printed  both  in  German  and  English,  and 
a  copy  sent  to  each  of  the  ministers  of  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Indiana  Synod. 

Having  sustained  a  favorable  examination,  deacons  D. 
S.  Schoolfield,  Abel  J.  Brown,  Jacob  Killian,  and  Jonathan 
R.  Moser  were  ordained  as  pastors,  and  applicants  Henry 
Wetzel,  A.  S.  Link,  Jacob  Stirewalt,  and  Alfred  J.  Fox  as 
deacons. 

During  this  session,  as  far  as  reported,  817  infants,  24 
adults,  and  13  slaves  were  baptized,  and  291  were  confirmed. 

As  the  obituary  notice  of  the  death  of  Rev.  John  N. 
Stirewalt  was  not  received  in  time  to  be  inserted  in  the 
proceedings  of  the  session  of  1836,  it  was  ordered  to  be 
printed  in  connection  with  the  Minutes  of  this  session. 

Salem  Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina,  was 
agreed  upon  as  the  place  for  the  next  meeting  of  Synod, 
and  the  second  Sunday  in  September,  1838,  as  the  time. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  John  N.  Stirewalt. — It  is  with  feelings  of  deep 
sorrow  that  we  record  the  death  of  our  worthy  and  beloved  co-laborer, 
Rev.  John  N.  Stirewalt,  a  member  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Ten- 
nessee Synod.  He  departed  this  life,  August  13,  1836,  in  Rowan 
County,  North  Carolina ;  aged  34  years  and  6  days.  He  died  of  lung 
disease,  with  which  he  was  afflicted  a  number  of  years. 

The  Lord,  in  whose  hands  stand  the  death  and  life  of  man,  saw  fit 
to  remove  this  useful  laborer  in  his  Vineyard  from  time  into  eternity. 

At  an  early  age,  he  was  instructed,  by  his  parents,  in  the  rudi- 
ments of  the  Christian  religion,  and  after  he  had  completed  his  literary 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  93 

and  classical  course  of  study,  he  entered  the  ministry,  in  the  year  1827, 
and  was  ordained  to  the  office  of  Pastor,  August  10,  1829,  during  the 
Synod  held  in  Salem  Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina. 

He  was  an  earnest  and  zealous  teacher  of  the  principles  of  religion, 
fearlessly  proclaiming  the  everlasting  Gospel  eight  years  and  ten 
months,  with  great  joy  and  zeal.  During  this  period  he  dispensed  the 
bread  of  life  ;  and,  notwithstanding  his  sickness,  he  made  known  the 
saving  Gospel  of  the  crucified  Savior,  with  efficiency,  to  many  who 
had  been  deprived  of  it,  both  in  his  native  State  and  in  adjoining  States. 

In  view  of  his  fidelity  to  the  end  of  his  days,  we  trust,  in  yonder, 
glorious  day,  he  is  crowned  with  an  unchangeable  crown,  and  clothed 
with  immortality.  During  his  sickness  he  frequently  admonished  his 
friends  and  visitors  to  continue  steadfast  in  the  doctrines  he  had  taught 
them,  and  shortl}'  before  his  departure  he  said  :  I  hope  that  God  the 
Father,  through  Christ,  may  be  merciful  to  me  and  all  others,  saying 
I  hope  and  trust  to  die  in  the  same  faith  I  taught  others,  exclaiming, 
God  help  us  all.     Amen. 

After  the  cold  hand  of  death  had  closed  his  eyes,  his  body  was 
placed  in  the  silent  grave  at  Sewitzen  Church,  Rowan  County,  North 
Carolina,  to  await  the  resurrection  morning.  Rev.  Daniel  Moser 
rendered  the  funeral  services,  and  preached  a  sermon  from  Phil. 
1,  21-23. 

As  the  deceased  had  intended  to  move  to  Virginia,  his  family, 
consisting  of  his  wife  and  four  children,  soon  after  his  death  took 
their  departure,  and  located  on  a  farm  which  he  had  previously  pur- 
chased, adjoining  the  corporate  limits  of  the  town  of  New  Market, 
Shenandoah  County,  Virginia. — Jonathan  R.  Moser,  Secretary  of 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod. 

Eigh  teen  th    Session . 

In  pursuance  of  previous  appointment,  Synod  assem- 
bled in  Salem  Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina, 
September  8,  1838. 

Saturday  and  Sunday  were  spent  in  worship,  preaching, 
and  communion  sendees. 

About  two-thirds  of  the  ministers,  with  thirty-three 
lay-delegates  and  two  applicants,  Mr.  Peter  Wetzel  and  Mr. 
Banks  McRee,  were  present. 

After  the  election  of  a  president,  Rev.  Abel  J.  Brown 
was  appointed  secretary. 

After  the  usual  routine  business  relative  to  petitions, 


94  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

returning  thanks  for  services  rendered,  asking  for  services 
and  ordinations,  making  suggestions,  &c. ,  had  received 
proper  attention,  deacons  Alfred  J.  Fox  and  Jacob  Stirewalt 
were  examined  with  respect  to  their  qualifications  for  the 
ministry j  and  proving  themselves  worthy  and  qualified  to 
bear  that  office,  they  were  solemnly  ordained  as  pastors. 

The  Secretary  submitted  the  following  preamble  and 
resolutions : 

"Whereas,  repeated,  unfair  measures  have  recently 
been  taken  by  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina,  for  the  purpose 
of  bringing  into  disrepute  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Ten- 
nessee Synod  ;  and  more  especially  by  the  remarks  contained 
in  a  sermon  delivered  during  her  last  session  by  Rev.  John 
Bachman,  D.  D.;  which  was  published  by  her  sanction  and 
under  her  immediate  patronage  ;  which  sermon  (if  its  perni- 
cious influence  be  not  counteracted)  is  well  calculated  to 
make  a  wrong  and  an  unfavorable  impression  on  the  minds 
of  persons  otherwise  honestly  disposed,  and  to  render  our 
Synod,  her  doctrines,  and  her  ministers  the  objects  of  con- 
tempt, of  ridicule,  and  of  incessant  and  unmitigating 
persecution  ;  and  believing  as  we  do,  that  we  stand  on  the 
primitive  basis  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  that  the  doc- 
trines of  the  glorious  and  ever  memorable  Reformation, 
effected  through  the  special  instrumentality  of  the  illustrious 
Saxon  Reformer,  Dr.  Martin  Luther,  and  his  immortal  co- 
adjutors, are  perfectly  compatible  with  the  Word  of  God, 
which  we  acknowledge  to  be  the  only  infallible  rule  of  faith 
and  practice ;  be  it  therefore  resolved, 

i.  That  we  consider  the  proceedings  of  the  South 
Carolina  Synod  toward  us  as  uncourteous,  ungenerous,  un- 
fair, and  uncharitable ; 

2.  That  we  regard  the  allegations  contained  in  Dr. 
Bachmau's  sermon  as  being  without  the  least  shadow  of 
foundation  or  slightest  approximation  to  truth,  and  nothing 
but  base  calumny,  and  calculated  to  disparage  our  Synod." 

Resolved,  that  the  foregoing  preamble  and  resolutions 
be  adopted. 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  95 

On  motion,  it  was  unanimously  resolved,  that  the 
Secretary  and  Rev.  A.  Miller,  Jr.,  be  requested  to  write  and 
publish  a  vindication  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennes- 
see Synod,  in  reply  to  Dr.  Bachman's  sermon. 

"Inasmuch  as  this  body  has  been  informed  that  the 
Synod  of  Virginia,  during  her  last  session,  entered  a  reso- 
lution in  the  Minutes  of  her  proceedings,  stating  that  she 
did  '  not  recognize  the  members  of  the  Tennessee  Conference 
as  Evangelical  Lutheran  ministers,'  be  it 

Resolved,  that  the  Secretary  correspond  with  the  presi- 
dent of  the  Virginia  Synod,  to  ascertain  what  are  the 
reasons  why  she  does  not  recognize  the  members  of  our 
Synod  as  Evangelical  Lutheran  ministers." 

The  Synod  recommended  the  Treatise  on  the  Person 
and  Incarnation  of  Christ,  written  by  Rev.  David  Henkel, 
and  informed  the  brethren  that  the  Church  hymn-book, 
prepared  by  Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel,  by  order  of  Synod,  is 
now  published,  and  may  be  obtained  any  time  by  applying 
to  the  publisher,  Dr.  Solomon  Henkel,  New  Market,  Shen- 
andoah County,  Virginia. 

Revs.  Ambrose  Henkel,  Jacob  Killian,  and  Jacob  Stire- 
walt  were  requested  to  prepare  a  liturgy  for  the  use  of  the 
Church,  and  lay  it  before  Synod  at  its  next  session  for 
examination. 

The  number  of  baptisms  and  confirmations,  as  far  as 
reported,  is  480  infants,  7  adults,  42  slaves,  and  93  con- 
firmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Emmanuel's  Church, 
Sullivan  County,  Tennessee,  on  the  second  Sunday  of 
September,    1839. 

After  the  close  of  Synod,  the  Secretary  received  a  letter 
from  Rev.  Ephraim  R.  Conrad,  a  member  of  the  Indiana 
Synod,  calling  attention  to  the  condition  of  the  Church  in 
Missouri,  the  State  in  which  he  resided,  and  praying  Synod 
to  send  to  their  assistance  Rev.  J.  R.  Moser,  or  Rev.  A.  J. 
Brown,  or  some  other  minister  of  our  Synod.  The  Secretary 
recommended  special  attention  to  be  given  to  that  request. 


96  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

Nin  eteen  th    Session . 

Pursuant  to  resolution  of  the  last  session,  Synod  con- 
vened in  Emmanuel  Church,  Surllivan  County,  Tennessee, 
September,  1839.  Saturday  and  Sunday  were  devoted  to 
the  services  usual  on  such  occasions. 

After  the  appointment  of  a  president,  Rev.  A.  J.  Brown 
was  elected  secretary.  The  usual  committees  were  ap- 
pointed.    The  ordinary  business  received  proper  attention. 

In  regard  to  Rev.  Adam  S.  Link,  it  was  resolved,  that 
inasmuch  as  he  has  failed  to  write  to  Synod,  absented  him- 
self from  it,  and  united  with  the  Ohio  Synod,  he  be  no 
longer  regarded  as  a  member  of  this  Synod,  and  that  his 
name  be  dropped  from  the  clerical  roll. 

Rev.  Christian  Moretz,  a  member  of  the  Indiana  Synod, 
being  present,  was  invited  to  a  seat  in  the  Synod,  with  all 
the  rights  and  privileges  of  a  member.  He  responded  in  a 
most  happy  and  affectionate  manner,  giving  a  brief  state- 
ment of  what  was  being  done  in  the  Synod  he  represented,  for 
the  cause  of  the  Church,  and  asking  the  blessing  of  God  on 
the  labors  of  the  brethren  of  the  Tennessee  Synod,  of  which 
he  had  been  a  member,  and  from  which  he  so  much  regret- 
ted that  duty  required  him  to  take  his  leave. 

With  respect  to  the  appointment  of  a  committee,  at  the 
previous  session,  consisting  of  Revs.  A.  J.  Brown  and  A. 
Miller,  Jr.,  to  write  a  reply  to  statements  which  appeared 
in  a  sermon  delivered  by  Rev.  Dr.  Bachman,  of  Charleston, 
South  Carolina,  in  opposition  to  this  Synod,  and  have  it 
printed,  it  appeared  that  the  committee  had  complied  with 
the  request,  and  that  a  large  number  of  copies  of  the  work 
had  been  circulated.  The  Synod  approved  of  the  manner 
in  which  the  charges  were  refuted,  and  tendered  its  thanks 
to  the  committee  for  their  prompt  and  able  defence  of  Synod 
against  the  declarations  made  in  that  sermon. 

Rev.  A.  J.  Brown,  having  been  appointed,  at  the  pre- 
vious session,  to  write  to  the  Virginia  Synod,  to  show  cause 
why  it  could  not  recognize  the  members  of  the  Tennessee 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  97 

Synod  as  Evangelical  Lutherans,  stated,  that  he  had  written 
a  kind,  brotherly,  Christian  letter  to  the  President  of  that 
Synod,  Rev.  J.  B.  Davis,  asking  the  reasons  why  his  Synod 
could  not  recognize  the  members  of  the  Tennessee  Synod 
as  Evangelical  Lutherans,  but  had  received  no  reply,  for 
reasons  he  knew  not.  In  view  of  this  fact,  he  asked,  that  a 
copy  of  the  letter  he  wrote  be  appended  to  the  Minutes,  so 
that  the  unprejudiced  public  might  have  all  the  necessary 
light  in  regard  to  the  matter.     His  request  was  granted. 

Rev.  Jacob  Killian  then  presented  a  copy  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  last  meeting  of  that  Synod  to  this  S)mod, 
which  shows  the  action  of  that  Synod  towards  this  Synod, 
in  justification  of  its  previous  resolution,  and  the  reasons 
why  the  President  of  the  former  did  not  reply  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  latter. 

A  committee  of  four,  Revs.  Hancher,  Killian,  Wetzel, 
and  Brown,  were  appointed  to  prepare  a  reply  to  this  action 
of  the  Virginia  Synod,  and  submit  it  to  Synod.  At  the 
proper  time  the  reply,  which  was  clear,  forcible,  and  con- 
vincing, was  submitted  and  adopted. 

The  committee,  which  had  been  appointed  at  the  pre- 
vious session,  to  prepare  a  liturgy  for  the  use  of  the  Church, 
submitted  the  manuscript  copy  for  examination.  A  com- 
mittee, consisting  of  Revs.  A.  Miller,  Jr.,  H.  Goodman,  and 
G.  Easterly,  Messrs.  A.  W.  Abernathy,  D.  Siegle,  and  G. 
Burkhart,  were  appointed  to  examine  the  manuscript.  After 
a  careful  examination,  they  submitted  a  very  favorable  re- 
port, approving  the  work.     The  report  was  received. 

The  death  of  Rev.  Daniel  Moser  being  announced,  the 
Synod  passed  the  following  resolutions  : 

1.  That  we  deeply  sympathize  with  the  family  in  their 
sad  and  irreparable  loss  of  an  affectionate  husband  and  a 
kind  father. 

2.  That  Rev.  Adam  Miller  prepare  a  brief  obituary 
notice  of  the  life  and  labors  of  the  said  Moser,  and  publish 
it  in  connection  with  the  Minutes  of  this  Synod. 

The  number  of  baptisms  and  confirmations  this  synod- 


98  HISTORY  OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

ical  year,  according  to  the  report,  which  is  not  full,  is  672 
infants,  74  adults,  25  slaves,  and  348  confirmed. 

The  time  and  place  agreed  upon  for  the  next  meeting, 
were  Pilgrims'  Church,  Davidson  County,  North  Carolina, 
and  the  second  Sunday  of  September,  1840. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Daniel  Moser. — On  the  nth  day  of  July,  1839, 
our  worthy  and  highly  esteemed  friend  and  co-laborer  in  the  vineyard 
of  our  Lord  and  Savior,  Jesus  Christ,  Rev.  Daniel  Moser  departed  this 
life,  in  Lincoln,  now  Catawba,  County,  North  Carolina  ;  aged  49  years, 
2  months,  and  3  days. 

On  the  8th  day  of  May,  1790,  he  was  born  of  Christian  parents,  in 
Orange  County,  North  Carolina,  and,  in  his  infancy,  was  baptized  by 
Rev.  Henry  Barnhardt.  On  the  3d  day  of  October,  1808,  he  was  con- 
firmed, by  Revs.  John  L.  Markert  and  Philip  Henkel  to  the  Evangel- 
ical Lutheran  Church,  in  Lauen  Church,  Guilford  County,  North  Caro- 
lina. He  entered  the  ministry  in  the  year  1812,  and  was  ordained  to 
the  office  of  Pastor  in  the  year  1820,  during  the  Synod  which  met,  in 
that  year,  in  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  in  Lincoluton,  North 
Carolina. 

In  this  office,  he  maintained  honor,  dignity,  and  firmness,  adher- 
ing closely  to  the  Gospel  of  our  Divine  Redeemer,  and  gave  diligence 
in  serving  God,  and  leading  an  upright  life  and  irreproachable  conduct, 
in  his  labors,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth. 

As  a  preacher,  it  may  be  said  with  truth,  that  he  was  firm  in  the 
faith,  and  worthy  of  his  vocation  ;  as  a  husband,  he  was  kind  and  affec- 
tionate ;  as  a  father,  pleasant  and  instructive  ;  as  a  citizen,  he  was 
friendly  and  liberal  ;  and,  in  a  word,  his  whole  life  was  irreproachable, 
as  far  as  it  is  possible  for  that  of  man  to  be.  Well  may  it  be  said,  that 
in  his  death  the  community,  in  which  he  lived,  was  deprived  of  one  of 
its  best  members,  and  sustained  an  irreparable  loss.  Yet  we  must  bow- 
to  the  will  of  our  heavenly  Father,  and  exclaim  :  He  is  the  Lord ;  he 
doth  what  seemeth  good  in  his  sight. 

Brother  Moser  labored  in  the  gospel  ministry  about  twenty-seven 
years.  During  this  period  he  preached  1,943  sermons,  baptized  2,450 
persons,  and  confirmed  821.  He  preached  his  last  sermon  in  St.  Peter's 
Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina,  on  the  30th  day  of  June, 
1839,  on  Matt.  28,  20:  "Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatso- 
ever I  have  commanded  you,"  &c. 

His  last  sickness  was  paralysis.  He  was  found  about  a  mile  and 
a-half  from  his  residence,  sitting  at  the  road.  His  right  side  was  en- 
tirely paralyzed.  When  he  was  found  he  was  speechless,  and  remained 
so  till  his  end,  which  took  place  on  the  seventh  day  of  the  attack. 
Consequently,  he  was  deprived  of  the  power  to  speak  to  his  relatives 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  99 

and  neighbors,  which  they  so  much  regretted.  Yet,  we  have  reason  to 
believe  that,  in  view  of  his  well  grounded  hope,  he  was  fully  assured  of 
his  gracious  acceptance.  His  earthly  remains  were  interred  in  the 
grave-yard  at  St.  John's  Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina. 
His  funeral  services  were  rendered  and  a  sermon  was  preached  on  the 
occasion  by  the  writer  of  this  notice,  from  2  Tim.  4,  7,  8  :  "I  have 
fought  a  good  fight,'''  &c.  Rev.  A.  J.  Brown  then  followed  with  im- 
pressive and  pertinent  remarks,  suited  to  the  sad  and  solemn  occasion. 
In  conclusion  we  add,  "Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord 
from  henceforth  ;  j-ea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their 
labors,  and  their  works  do  follow  them." — Adam  Miller. 

Twentieth    Session. 

This  session  was  held  in  Pilgrims'  Church,  Davidson 
County,  North  Carolina,  from  Monday  the  14th  to  Wednes- 
day the  1 6th  of  September,  1840. 

During  this  session  thirty-one  petitions,  of  the  usual 
import,  were  submitted  to  S}rnod,  and  received  proper 
attention. 

Among  these  is  a  petition  from  a  number  of  Lutherans 
of  South  Carolina,  in  which  they  state,  that  they  formerly 
belonged  to  the  South  Carolina  Synod,  but  as  that  Synod 
had  deviated  from  the  doctrines  and  usages  of  the  Church, 
and  introduced  innovations,  run  into  fanaticism,  &c;  and 
that,  from  what  they  had  heard  and  read,  they  were  satis- 
fied that  the  Tennessee  Synod  adhered  to  the  true  doctrines 
and  usages  of  the  Church  ;  hence,  as  their  pastor.  Rev. 
Godfrey  Dreher,  had  more  labor  to  perform  than  he  could 
endure,  they  entreated  Synod  to  send  some  suitable  minis- 
ter to  assist  him  in  his  arduous  labors.  Synod  resolved 
that  Rev.  A.  J.  Brown  visit  these  petitioners. 

Applicants  Messrs.  J.  Rhodes  and  J.  W.  Hull,  having 
declined  to  submit  to  an  examination  with  a  view  to  ordi- 
nation to  the  office  of  Deacon,  were  continued  under  the 
care  of  the  Synod. 

Rev.  Jacob  Stirewalt,  one  of  the  committee  to  compile 
and  publish  a  suitable  liturgy,   reported,   that  the  work  is 


IOO  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

now  passing  through  the  press,  and  will  soon  be  ready  for 
circulation. 

The  practicability  and  expediency  of  publishing  a  re- 
ligious periodical  within  the  bounds  of  Synod,  were  con- 
sidered. The  matter  met  with  favor,  but  it  was  deferred  for 
future  consideration. 

Revs.  Miller,  Brown,  and  Moserwere  appointed  to  select 
or  prepare  a  suitable  article  to  be  printed  in  connection  with 
the  Minutes.  A  few  remarks  on  the  Instruction  of  Youth, 
together  with  Luther's  Preface  to  his  Large  Catechism,  were 
selected  and  prepared  by  the  committee. 

During  this  synodical  year,  as  far  as  reported,  616  in- 
fants, 3  adults,  and  20  slaves  were  baptized,  and  240  con- 
firmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Rader's  Church,  Rocking- 
ham County,  Virginia,  on  the  second  Sunday  of  September, 
1841. 

During  this  decade,  there  were  12  applicants  for  the 
ministry,  17  ordinations,  including  those  to  the  office  of  Dea- 
con, and  2  deaths  of  ministers,  and  6,690  infants,  408  adults, 
and  250  slaves  baptized,  and  2,569  persons  confirmed.  Un- 
fortunately, the  parochial  reports  are  not  full.  Probably 
not  more  than  three-fourths  of  the  ministers  presented 
reports. 

THIRD   DECADE. 

Twenty-first  Session. 

This  session  of  Synod  convened  in  Rader's  Church, 
Rockingham  County,  Virginia,  September  13,  1841. 

Saturday  and  Sunday  previous  were  occupied,  as  usual 
on  such  occasions,  with  devotional  services,  preaching,  and 
communion. 

After  the  appointment  of  a  president,  Rev.  A.  J.  Brown 
was  elected  secretary.  The  usual  committees  were  ap- 
pointed. The  petitions  and  papers  designed  for  Synod, 
were  received,  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  committees, 
whose  reports  received  proper  attention. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  10 1 

With  respect  to  a  petition  from  Mill  Creek  Church, 
Hardy  County,  Virginia,  now  West  Virginia,  asking  to  be 
received  in  connection  with  the  Synod,  and  to  be  supplied 
with  the  niinistrations  of  the  Gospel,  the  request  of  the 
petitioners  was  granted. 

Relative  to  a  petition  from  New  Market,  Virginia,  and 
one  from  Koiner's  Church,  Virginia,  the  committee  reported 
as  follows  : 

' '  No.  2 1  is  a  petition  from  members  of  our  church  in 
New  Market,  Virginia,  in  which  the  petitioners  request  our 
Synod  to  give  an  expression  of  its  sentiments  in  reference 
to  'New  Measures;' — the  union  of  all  the  different  denomi- 
nations into  one  great  body  as  recommended  in  the  ' '  Fra- 
ternal Appeal  to  the  American  Churches  ;" — the  celebration 
of  the  Centenary  of  Lutheranism,  as  recommended  by  the 
General  Synod  at  its  last  session  ; — also,  that  we  do  some- 
thing in  reference  to  the  denunciation  of  our  Synod,  by  the 
General  Synod  in  1839,  and  its  recent  proceedings  in  refer- 
ence to  our  Synod  ; — and  that  we  again  express  our  opinion 
of  the  General  Synod. 

No.  22  is  a  petition  from  Koiner's  Church,  Augusta 
County,  Virginia,  of  nearly  the  same  import." 

In  regard  to  this  matter,  the  following  action  was  taken  : 

"The  subject  of  'New  Measures'  was  now  taken  up, 
and,  after  considerable  discussion,  it  was  unanimously 

Resolved,  That  we  decidedly  disapprove  the  new  meas- 
ures which  have  been  introduced  into  the  Lutheran  Church 
by  modern  enthusiasts,  believing  that  they  are  contrary  to 
the  Word  of  God,  the  doctrine  of  the  Augsburg  Confession 
of  Faith,  the  Symbolical  Books  of  the  Lutheran  Church, 
and  her  usages  in  her  purest  and  best  ages,  and  calculated 
to  sow  the  seed  of  discord  among  her  members. ' ' 

"The  subject  of  a  general  union  of  all  the  different  de- 
nominations into  one  great  body,  was  then  taken  up,  and, 
after  considerable  discussion,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  inasmuch  as  the  Church  of  Christ  is  a 
collection  of  all  true  believers,  and  is  not  now,   nor  never 


102  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

was  divided,  and  as  it  is  impossible  for  different  and  con- 
flicting doctrines  all  to  be  in  accordance  with  the  Word  of 
God,  and  a  Christian  union  of  the  different  denominations 
to  be  effected  without  a  unanimity  of  sentiments,  and  as 
professors  greatly  differ  in  their  religious  sentiments  and 
modes  of  church  government,  the  union  of  all  the  different 
denominations  into  one  great  body,  is  impracticable  and 
inexpedient ;  and  if  effected,  instead  of  promoting,  would 
prove  detrimental  to  the  true  interest  of  the  Redeemer's 
Kingdom,  and  endanger  the  civil  and  religious  liberties  of 
our  happy  country. 

In  reference  to  the  General  Synod  and  its  proceedings 
towards  our  Synod,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  whereas  the  General  Synod  has  fre- 
quently denounced  the  Tennessee  Synod  as  an  anti-Lutheran 
and  an  anti-Christian  body,  both  in  its  doctrines  and  prac- 
tices, and  some  of  its  members  have  recently  made  system- ' 
atic  efforts  to  have  our  Synod  recognized  as  an  Evangelical 
Lutheran  body,  and  have  expressed  a  desire  to  bring  it  into 
connection  and  co-operation  with  the  General  Synod,  and 
have  been  violently  opposed  in  this  by  others  of  its  mem- 
bers ;  be  it  therefore 

i.  Resolved,  That  with  us  it  is  a  matter  of  but  little 
importance  whether  that  body  recognizes  our  Synod  as  an 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod  or  not,  inasmuch  as  our  ortho- 
doxy and  existence  as  a  Lutheran  body,  in  no  wise,  depend 
on  its  decisions. 

2.  Resolved,  That  we  cannot  recognize  the  General 
Synod  as  an  Evangelical  Lutheran  body,  inasmuch  as  it 
has  departed  from  the  primitive  doctrines  and  usages  of  the 
Lutheran  Church. 

3.  Resolved,  That  under  existing  circumstances  we  feel 
no  disposition  to  unite  with  the  General  Synod,  and  never 
can  unite  with  it,  unless  it  return  to  the  primitive  doctrines 
and  usages  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

4.  Resolved,  That  Rev.  A.  J.  Brown  be  appointed  to 
draw  up  our  objections  to  the  General  Synod,   and  show 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  103 

from  its  own  publications  wherein  that  body  has  departed 
from  the  doctrines  and  usages  of  the  Lutheran  Church  ; 
and  submit  his  manuscript  to  our  Synod  at  its  next  session 
for  examination,  and  if  approved,  it  be  printed. 

The  celebration  of  the  Centenary  of  Lutheranism  in 
the  United  States,  as  recommended  by  the  General  Synod, 
at  its  last  session,  w7as  then  taken  up,  and,  after  a  short 
discussion,  it  was  unanimously 

Resolved,  That  w7hereas  the  General  Synod,  at  its  last 
session,  recommended  the  celebration  of  the  Centenary  of 
Lutheranism  in  the  United  States,  and  have  not  only  called 
upon  those  Synods  connected  with  it,  but  all  other  Lutheran 
Synods,  to  unite  with  and  aid  them  in  this  celebration  by 
their  contributions  to  raise  $150,000  to  endow  their  literary 
and  other  institutions ;  and  whereas  our  Synod  has  been 
asked  to  express  its  opinion  in  reference  to  this  subject,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  decidedly  disapprove  the  proposed 
centenary  celebration,  and  will  discountenance  it  by  refusing 
to  unite  in  it,  and  by  withholding  our  contributions  to  raise 
the  proposed  sum." 

In  reference  to  the  petitions,  requesting  the  examina- 
tion and  ordination  of  Messrs.  J.  Rhodes  and  J.  W.  Hull  to 
the  office  of  Deacon,  it  was  resolved,  that,  in  the  absence  of 
these  persons,  the  request  cannot  be  complied  with  at  this 
time. 

With  regard  to  the  petitions,  requesting  the  examina- 
tion of  Deacons  C.  G.  Reitzel  and  H.  Wetzel,  relative  to 
their  qualifications  for  the  office  of  Pastor,  the  request  was 
granted,  and  the  ordinations  conferred. 

On  application,  Mr.  Denis  D.  Swane}r,  of  New  Market, 
Virginia,  was  received  under  the  care  of  Synod,  as  a  student 
of  theology. 

In  reference  to  the  action  of  Synod,  during  its  previous 
session,  concerning  the  establishment  of  a  religious  journal, 
the  following  action  was  taken  : 

' '  Resolved,  That  we  have  no  doubt  that  the  publication 
of  a  religious  periodical,  within  the  bounds  of  our  Synod,  if 


104  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

devoted  principally  to  the  publication  of  correct  translations 
from  the  writings  of  Luther,  and  conducted  by  some  one  of 
our  pastors,  who  would  take  upon  himself  the  responsibility 
of  the  task,  would  be  of  lasting  utility  in  the  Church  ;  butT 
that  the  Synod  does  not  feel  willing  to  take  upon  itself  the 
responsibility  of  such  a  publication.  We  have  reason  to  be- 
lieve, that  such  a  publication,  as  long  as  conducted  accord- 
ing to  the  acknowledged  Symbols  of  the  Lutheran  Church, 
would  meet  with  general  encouragement  among  our  brethren  ; 
but  whether  such  a  work  could  be  sustained,  could  not  well 
be  ascertained  before  the  next  Synod  ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  recommend  subscriptions  to  be  taken 
up  in  our  congregations,  to  ascertain  what  number  of  sub- 
scribers can  be  procured." 

According  to  the  Parochial  Report,  461  infants  and  15 
adults  were  baptized,  and  155  were  confirmed. 

Concerning  the  action  of  Synod  at  its  session,  taken  re- 
lative to  reports  circulated  about  Rev.  D.  S.  Schoolfield,  the 
committee  reported  the  following  :  '  'In  reference  to  the  case 
of  the  Rev.  D.  S.  Schoolfield,  we  are  happy  to  state,  for  the 
satisfaction  of  our  brethren,  that  we  have  received  a  letter 
from  the  Rev.  Win,  Hancher,  in  which  he  informs  us,  that 
the  charges  against  Mr.  Schoolfield  were  legally  investigated 
by  the  congregation  in  which  it  was  said  they  had  occurred, 
and  that  he  was  honorably  acquitted." 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Trinity  Church,  Lincoln 
County,  North  Carolina,  on  the  second  Sunday  of  Septem- 
ber, 1842. 

Twenty- second  Session. 

The  twenty-second  session  of  Synod  was  held  in  Trinity 
Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina,  commencing  on 
the  1 2th  and  closing  on  the  16th  of  September,  1842. 

Saturday  and  Sunday  previous  were  occupied  as  usual 
on  such  occasions. 

This  meeting  was  well  represented,  there  being  present 
13  ministers,  4  applicants,  and  37  lay-delegates,  representing 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  105 

42  congregations.  After  the  appointment  of  a  president, 
Rev.  A.  J.  Brown  was  elected  as  secretary.  The  routine 
business  was  transacted  in  the  regular  manner. 

St.  John's  Church,  Augusta  County,  Virginia,  on  ap- 
plication, was  received  into  Synod. 

Rev.  A.  J.  Brown,  who  was  appointed  to  prepare  for 
publication  the  Objections  to  the  General  Synod  of  the 
United  States,  and  submit  his  work  to  Synod  for  examina- 
tion, stated,  that,  on  account  of  intervening  circumstances, 
he  had  not  been  able  to  complete  the  work,  but  that  he 
would  be  able  soon  so  to  do.  He  then  submitted  the  manu- 
script as  far  as  he  had  finished  it.  A  committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  examine  it.  The  report  of  the  committee  was 
quite  favorable.  Another  committee  was  appointed  to 
examine  the  other  portion  of  the  work  as  soon  as  it  could 
be  finished,  and  if  the  work  be  approved,  it  should  be  pub- 
lished. 

Three  applicants,  Messrs.  Polycarp  C.  Henkel,  Jesse 
R.  Peterson,  and  Jacob  M.  Shaver  (Schaeffer),  were  received 
under  the  care  of  Synod. 

Revs.  J.  R.  Moser  and  C.  G.  Reitzel  and  Mr.  P.  C. 
Henkel  were  appointed  to  select  and  prepare  a  suitable 
article  to  be  printed  in  connection  with  the  Minutes.  They 
selected  an  article  on  Good  Works,  from  the  Christian  Book 
of  Concord.     It  appears  in  connection  with  the  Minutes. 

Mr.  Denis  D.  Swaney  was  ordained  to  the  office  of 
Deacon. 

At  a  called  session,  held  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  Lincoln 
County,  North  Carolina,  December  13,  1841,  it  seems, 
applicants  John  Rhodes  and  Joel  W.  Hull  were  ordained  to 
the  office  of  Deacon. 

The  death  of  Deacon  John  Rhodes  having  been  an- 
nounced, it  was  resolved,  that  Rev.  A.  Miller  prepare  a 
suitable  obituary,  and  have  it  appended  to  the  Minutes. 

During  this  synodical  year,  739  infants,  49  adults,  and 
1  slave  were  baptized,  and  505  persons  were  confirmed. 
Synod    adjourned    to  meet    in    St.    James'  Church,    Green 


106  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

County,  Tennessee,   on  the  first  Sunday  in  October,  1843. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  John  Rhodes. — Departed  this  mortal  life,  on  the 
3d  of  September,  1842,  the  Rev.  John  Rhodes  ;  aged  22  years  and  i4days. 

This  amiable  and  interesting  young  man  was  a  member  of  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod.  He  was  ordained  and  set 
apart  to  the  gospel  ministry,  on  the  13th  day  of  December,  1841.  He 
manifested  great  zeal  in  the  cause  of  his  divine  Redeemer,  and  bade 
fair  for  great  usefulness  to  society,  as  an  "able  minister  of  the  New 
Testament."  About  three  months  previous  to  his  death,  he  visited 
the  churches  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Parson  Dreher,  in  South  Caro- 
lina ;  and,  sometime  during  the  month  of  August,  he  returned  to  his 
native  State,  (North  Carolina,  Lincoln  County,)  to  visit  his  affectionate 
mother  and  family,  and  to  attend  the  ensuing  session  of  the  Evangel- 
ical Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod  ;  when  and  where,  in  all  probability, 
he  would  have  been  promoted  to  the  office  of  Pastor.  He  returned 
home  in  the  enjoyment  of  excellent  health,  to  enjoy  (for  a  few  days) 
the  society  of  relatives  and  friends.  But,  alas !  in  the  midst  of  those 
scenes  of  social  enjoyment,  so  agreeable  and  interesting  to  kindred 
spirits,  he  was  attacked  with  fever,  which,  in  a  short  time,  terminated 
his  earthly  existence.  He  bore  his  afflictions  with  much  Christian 
fortitude  and  resignation  to  the  will  of  his  Heavenly  Father.  He  said, 
' '  that  if  it  was  the  will  of  God  to  take  him  into  Eternity,  he  did  not 
crave  his  life. "  A  short  time  before  his  death,  he  called  his  mother 
and  family  to  his  bedside,  where  he  united  with  them  in  prayer  to 
God,  to  aid  them  in  the  trying  Aoments  of  their  separation.  He  then 
proceeded,  though  laboring  under  great  bodily  debility,  to  give  them 
an  expression  of  his  faith,  upon  which  he  was  about  to  leave  this 
world  ;  he  solemnly  warned  them  to  guard  against  false  doctrine  and 
teachers  ;  admonishing  them  to  continue  in  the  true  doctrine,  ' '  as 
once  delivered  to  the  saints."  He  solemnly  assured  his  affectionate 
mother,  that  she  should  be  entitled  to  an  interest  in  his  prayer,  to  his 
last  moments.  He  yielded  up  his  soul  to  God,  his  Heavenly  Father, 
without  a  murmur,  about  five  minutes  after  7  o'clock,  A.  M.  In  the 
person  of  the  deceased,  the  mother  has  been  deprived  of  a  dutiful  son  ; 
the  family  of  an  affectionate  brother ;  and  society  of  an  invaluable 
member.  The  body  of  the  deceased  was  deposited  in  a  family  grave- 
yard, near  Vestal's  Ford ;  his  funeral  sermon  was  preached  in  Phila- 
delphia Church,  on  the  same  day,  by  the  writer  of  this  notice,  from 
Phil.  3,  20-21  :  "For  our  conversation  is  in  heaven  ;  from  whence  we 
also  look  for  the  Savior,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  shall  change  our 
vile  body,  that  it  may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glorious  body,  ac- 
cording to  the  working,  whereby  he  is  able  even  to  subdue  all  things 
unto  himself." 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  107 

Twenty-third  Session. 

This  session  convened  in  St.  James'  Church,  Green 
County,  Tennessee,  on  September  30,  1843. 

Besides  the  regular  routine  business,  the  more  import- 
ant transactions  of  Synod  consisted  in  the  reception  of  five 
applicants  for  the  ministry, — Messrs.  James  M.  Wagner, 
Henry  Mumpower,  Timothy  Moser,  John  Conly,  and  Moses 
Roberts,  and  the  ordination  to  the  office  of  Deacon  of  Messrs. 
Jesse  R.  Peterson,  P.  C.  Henkel,  and  I.  M.  Shaver. 

The  Parochial  Report  shows  444  infants,  29  adults,  and 
2  slaves  baptized,  and  190  confirmed,  during  the  year;  only 
six  ministers,  however,  reported.  Rev.  A.  J.  Fox  was 
elected  secretary  of  this  session. 

It  was  resolved,  that  Synod  adjourn  to  meet  in  Zion's 
Church,  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,-  on  the  first 
Sunday  of  October,  1844. 

Twenty-fourth  Session. 

Pursuant  to  previous  arrangement,  Synod  met  in  Zion's 
Church,  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,  on  Saturday, 
the  5th  day  of  October,  1844.  After  the  appointment  of  a 
president,  Rev.  A.  J.  Fox  was  elected  secretary. 

During  this  session,  the  name  of  Deacon  S.  C.  Palmer 
was,  for  sufficient  reason,  stricken  from  the  clerical  roll. 

On  petition,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Page  County,  Zion's 
Church,  and  St.  Jacob's  Church,  Shenandoah  County,  and 
St.  Jacob's  Church,  Rockingham  County,  Virginia,  were 
received  into  connection  with  Synod.  Messrs.  James  K. 
Hancher,  Thomas  Crouse,  and  Jacob  D.  Emmett  were  taken 
under  the  care  of  Synod. 

Revs.  A.  Henkel  and  J.  Stirewalt  were  appointed  to 
prepare  a  paper  on  the  Duties  of  Church  Officers,  and  sub- 
mit it  to  the  next  session  of  Synod. 

Applicants  T.  Moser  and  James  M.  Wagner  were  or- 
dained to  the  office  of  Deacon. 

Rev.  Adam  Miller,  Sr.,  having  departed  this  life,  Revs. 
G.   Easterly  and  A.  J.    Fox  were   appointed   to  prepare   a 


108  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

suitable  obituary  notice  on  him  and  append  it  to  the  Minutes. 

The  Parochial  Report,  several  of  the  ministers  re- 
porting for  two  years,  presents  the  baptism  of  1135  infants, 
99  adults,   and  14  slaves,    and  441    confirmations. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Zion's  Church  Shenan- 
doah County,  Virginia,  on  Saturday  before  the  first  Sunday 
in  October,  1845. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Adam  Miller,  Sr.— Departed  this  mortal  life. 
Rev.  Adam  Miller,  Sr.,  our  veuerable,  esteemed,  and  most  worthy 
brother,  and  fellow-laborer  in  the  vineyard  of  our  benign  Redeemer, 
Jesus  Christ,  on  the  6th  day  of  July,  A.  D.,  1844;  aged  84  years,  2 
months,  and  18  days. 

Mr.  Miller  was  born  in  York  County,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  18th 
day  of  April,  1760,  of  Christian  parents,  who,  in  his  infancy,  dedicated 
him  to  the  Lord,  by  observing  his  own  appointed  means,  the  Ordinance 
of  Holy  Baptism.  He  was  brought  up  and  instructed  in  the  nature 
and  observance  of  this  sacred  vow,  made  by  his  parents,  until  matured 
by  age  and  discretion  ;  and  upon  being  convinced,  by  the  solemn  and 
divine  truths  of  the  everlasting  Gospel,  he  publicly  confessed  his  Lord 
and  Savior,  Jesus  Christ,  by  being  confirmed,  according  to  the  custom 
of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  a  member  of  the  same,  in  which 
he  continued  to  occupy  a  respectable  station,  as  a  private  member, 
until  the  53d  year  of  his  age,  having  previously  migrated  to  Sullivan 
County,  Tennessee.  That  part  of  the  country  being  quite  destitute  of 
ministers,  who  were  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  the  calls  for 
ministers  were  many.  These  things,  with  the  very  many  pressing 
solicitations  of  his  friends  and  brethren  in  the  church,  so  wrought 
upon  his  philanthropic  mind,  that  he  was  ultimately  induced  to  em- 
bark in  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel.  He  delivered  his  first  sermon  in 
the  year  1813,  and  was  ordained  to  the  office  of  Pastor  of  the  Evangel- 
ical Lutheran  Church  in  the  year  1820,  by  the  members  composing  the 
first  regular  session  of  the  Tennessee  Synod,  convened  at  Solomon's 
Church,  Green  County,  Tennessee,  in  which  capacity  he  continued 
successfully  to  act  until  his  death. 

He  served  in  the  gospel  ministry  about  thirty  years,  during  which 
time  he  labored  much,  preached  a  great  many  sermons,  and  broke  the 
bread  of  life  to  many  immortal  souls.  And,  indeed,  his  labors  every- 
where appeared  to  be  owned,  blessed,  and  crowned  with  abundant 
success,  by  the  great  Head  of  the  Church.  He  preached  his  last  ser- 
mon in  the  Poor  Valley  Church,  Washington  County,  Virginia,  from 
Luke,  4th  chapter  and  18th  verse,  six  days  before  he  breathed  his  last. 

Notwithstanding  the  simplicity  of  his  style,  and  the  plainness  of 
his  manner  of  delivering  his  sermons,  he,  as  far  as  acquainted,  was 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  109 

■universally  distinguished  and  admired  for  his  candor,  zeal,  faithful- 
ness, and  untiring  diligence  in  the  performance  of  the1  duty  assigned 
him  by  his  Divine  Master.  In  a  word,  his  character,  as  a  minister, 
may  truly  be  said  to  have  been  highly  exemplary  and  interesting.  As 
a  husband,  he  was  kind  and  endearing  ;  as  a  father,  he  was  gentle  and 
indulgent ;  and  as  a  citizen  and  member  of  society,  he  was  affable  and 
inoffensive.  Hence,  it  may  truly  be  said,  that,  by  his  death,  the 
church  has  been  deprived  of  a  useful  minister  ;  his  relatives  of  a  valu- 
able friend  ;  and  society  of  a  worthy  and  exemplary  member.  Never- 
theless, we  would  feel  a  disposition  to  bow  with  due  deference  to  every 
event  directed  by  heaven,  and  say,  Thy  will  be  done,  O  Lord  ! 

His  last  illness  appears  to  have  been  a  violent  attack  of  the  Scarlet 
Fever.  His  sufferings  were  truly  great,  though  he  bore  them  with 
great  fortitude  and  submission,  until  the  5th  day  after  his  attack  ; 
when,  feeling  that  he  was  fast  sinking,  he  requested  the  71st  Psalm  to 
be  read  in  his  hearing,  which  having  been  done,  he  declared  the  con- 
tents to  be  his  own  sentiments,  and  then  added,  ' '  Cast  me  not  off  in 
the  time  of  old  age  ;  forsake  me  not  when  my  strength  fails  me."  He 
then  requested  the  573d  hymn  in  the  Lutheran  Church  Hymn-book  to 
be  sung.  On  the  next  day  the  violence  of  the  disease  grew  too  power- 
ful for  his  age  and  weak  frame,  and  he  closed  his  eyes  in  the  sleep  of 
death.  His  perishable  remains  were  committed  to  the  narrow  confines 
of  the  grave,  in  a  family  graveyard,  near  the  place  where  he  expired. 
His  funeral  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rev.  A.  J.  Brown,  from 
Hebrews,  the  nth  chapter  and  4th  verse,  at  Poor  Valley  Church,  and 
was  followed  by  the  Rev.  William  Hancher,  with  appropriate  and 
interesting  remarks. 

We  add,  in  conclusion,  that  we  trust  that  while  his  perishable 
body  reclines  in  the  cold  mansions  of  the  dead,  his  disembodied  and 
never-dying  spirit  is  reaping  the  rich  reward  of  all  his  earthly  toils, 
in  the  world  of  never-ending  bliss  and  glory. 

Twen  ty -fifth   Session . 

This  convention  of  Synod  assembled  in  Zion's  Church, 
Shenandoah  County,  Virginia,  October  6th,  and  continued 
till  the  9th,  1845. 

It  was  organized  by  electing  a  president  and  Rev.  H. 
Wetzel  as  secretary. 

Synod  learned,  with  regret,  of  the  death  of  applicant 
John  Conly. 

Inasmuch  as  Rev.  Daniel  S.  Schoolneld  had  failed  to 
appear  before  Synod  in  person,  to  justify  his  course  of  pro- 


IIO  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

cedure,  as  well  as  to  write,  to  explain  the  causes  of  his 
conduct,  as  requested,  it  was  resolved,  that  his  name  be 
erased  from  the  clerical  roll  of  Synod,  and  he  be  no  longer 
recognized  as  a  member  of  it. 

Revs.  A.  Henkel  and  J.  Stirewalt,  who  were  appointed 
at  the  previous  session  to  prepare  a  paper  on  the  Duties  of 
Church  Officers,  reported  that  they  had  not  as  yet  completed 
that  work,  but  would  continue  their  efforts. 

"On  motion  of  Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel,  seconded  by  the 
Secretary,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  two  copies  of  the  Minutes  of  the  present 
session  of  Synod  be  sent  to  each  of  the  Old  School  Evangel- 
ical Lutheran  Synods  in  the  United  States,  not  connected 
with  the  General  Synod,  as  a  token  of  respect. 

Inasmuch  as  we  have  no  newspaper  published  under 
our  auspices,  and  as  the  Lutheran  Standard,  of  Ohio,  and 
'the  Lutherische  Kirchenzeitung ,  of  Pennsylvania,  are  pub- 
lished by  Old  School  Lutheran  Synods,  and  have  taken  a 
stand  against  'new  measures,'  a  motion  was  made  by  Dr. 
S.  G.  Henkel,  that  we  recommend  said  papers  to  our  church 
members,  and  that  a  copy  of  our  Minutes  be  sent  to  each  of 
the  editors  of  said  papers. 

After  some  discussion,  the  above  motion  was  laid  over 
until  tomorrow  morning,  and  Synod  closed  with  singing 
and  prayer." 

"Synod  met,  and  was  opened  with  singing  and  prayer. 

Dr.  Henkel's  motion  was  now  again  called  up.  After 
some  further  discussion  on  the  subject,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  inasmuch  as  this  body  is  not  sufficiently 
acquainted  with  the  Lutheran  Standard  and  Kirehenzeitiuig \ 
we  defer  an  expression  until  the  next  session  of  Synod. 

The  committee,  Ambrose  Henkel,  Jacob  Killian,  Jacob 
Stirewalt,  J.  K.  Handier,  Samuel  G.  Henkel,  and  Marcus 
H.  Rudisill,  on  Documents  No.  4,  reported  as  follows : 

1.  Whereas  a  charge  of  a  serious  nature  is  alleged 
against  the  Rev.  Adam  Miller,  and  as  this  Synod  is  not  a 
judiciary,  but  an   advisory   body,   and    simply  claims    the 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD,  III 

right  of  imparting  her  useful  advice,  and  employing  the 
proper  means  for  the  purpose  of  promulgating  the  Gospel 
of  Jesus  Christ;  and  inasmuch  as  a  majority  of  his  elders 
have  held  a  meeting,  and  have  investigated  the  charge 
alleged  against  him ;  and  said  meeting  of  elders,  after  an 
investigation  of  the  charge,  unanimously  declared  him  inno- 
cent ;  and  they  see  no  cause  why  he  should  not  resume  his 
official  labors  ;  and  as  a  respectable  number  of  the  members 
of  his  congregations  concur  with  the  decision  of  the  elders ; 
however,  as  there  still  seems  to  be  a  dissatisfaction  existing 
in  the  matter,  it  is 

Resolved,  That  the  Revs.  H.  Goodman  and  J.  Killian 
be  appointed  to  take  the  voice  of  his  congregations  in  a 
clear  and  distinct  manner,  as  soon  as  possible,  and  if  the 
voice  of  the  congregations  wish  him  to  continue  his  official 
duties,  that  we,  in  that  case,  concur  with  them,  provided 
they  honorably  acquit  him. 

2.  And  whereas  a  charge  has  also  been  alleged  against 
the  Rev.  J.  W.  Hull,  we,  in  reference  to  this  matter,  would 
recommend  the  following,  viz. :  That  inasmuch  as  Mr.  Hull 
has  been  acquitted  by  his  elders,  and  as  there  yet  seems  to 
be  some  dissatisfaction  in  his  congregations,  and  Mr.  Hull 
manifests  a  desire  to  have  a  reconsideration,  we  would 
therefore  recommend  his  congregations  to  re-examine  the 
matter,  and  see  if  things  cannot  be  amicably  adjusted,  and 
that  the  Rev.  J.  Killian  attend  to  this  matter ;  and,  in  case 
the  congregations  succeed  in  deciding  the  matter,  that  we 
concur  with  them. 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  this  report  be  accepted 
and  adopted." 

With  respect  to  preparing  the  Christian  Book  of  Con- 
cord, or  the  Symbolical  Books  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church,  to  appear  in  an  English  dress,  the  following  action 
was  taken : 

' '  Inasmuch  as  the  book,  entitled  the  Christian  Concor- 
dia, contains  the  acknowledged  Symbols  of  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Church,   and  is  extant  only  in  the  German  and 


112  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

Latin  languages,  Dr.  S.  G.  Hehkel  requested  this  body  to 
express  their  views  as  to  the  expediency  of  translating  and 
publishing  said  work  in  the  English  language ;  and  if 
deemed  expedient,  he  proposed  to  procure  a  correct  transla- 
tion of  it,  and  publish  it  in  the  English  language,  as  soon 
as  practicable.     Whereupon  it  was 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  we  consider  it  expedient 
that  the  Concordia  be  translated  and  published  in  the 
English  language,  and  that  the  proposal  of  Dr.  S.  G.  Hen- 
kel  meets  our  entire  approbation,  and  that  we  encourage 
him  in  his  tfndertaking." 

Applicants  James  K.  Hancher  and  Thomas  Crouse, 
after  sustaining  satisfactory  examinations,  were  ordained  to 
the  office  of  Deacon. 

Messrs.  Jonathan  Easterly  and  Socrates  Henkel  were 
taken  under  the  care  of  Synod,  as  students  of  theology. 

The  Parochial  Report  shows  that  642  infants,  32  adults, 
and  11  slaves  were  baptized,  and  169  persons  confirmed, 
during  the  year. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  St.  Daniel's  Church,  Ca- 
tawba County,  North  Carolina,  on  the  third  Sunday  of 
October,  1846. 

Twen  ty-  sixth  Session . 

Synod  convened,  in  its  twenty-sixth  session,  in  St. 
Daniel's  Church,  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,  October 
17,  1846.  It  was  organized  by  the  election  of  a  president 
and  Rev.  J.  R.  Moser  secretary. 

As  the  time  of  the  Synod  was  taken  up  by  a  matter  of 
the  greatest  importance,  it  was  resolved,  that  the  action  of 
the  last  session  relative  to  the  Lutheran  Standard  and 
ICirchenzeitung,  cannot  receive  much  attention. 

The  Adam  Miller  case,  as  it  was  called,  was  the  all- 
absorbing  subject.  The  case  was  brought  up  by  the  com- 
mittee, appointed  to  report  on  the  charge  against  Rev.  Adam 
Miller,  which  was  a  very  grave  and  serious  one.  It  was 
resolved,  that  Mr.  W.  W.  McGinnas  be  appointed  to  give  a 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  113 

relation  of  all  the  circumstances  connected  with  that  case. 
After  a  short  recess,  Mr.  McGinnas  proceeded  to  present  the 
facts  in  the  case,  and  the  circumstances  connected  with  it. 
After  a  thorough  investigation,  the  Synod  resolved,  that 
the  requirements  of  the  action  taken  by  Synod  the  previous 
year  in  regard  to  that  case  had  not  been  complied  with  on 
the  part  of  the  said  Miller.  Whereupon  Mr.  Miller  with- 
drew himself  from  the  Synod.  In  view  of  this  fact,  Synod 
deemed  it  unnecessary  to  take  further  action  relative  to  the 
matter  at  that  time. 

Mr.  Michael  Rudisill,  an  elder  of  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,  and  also  Messrs.  Ephraim 
Shell,  Daniel  Rader,  and  John  Hass  withdrew  themselves 
and  the  congregations  they  represented. 

In  reference  to  the  case  of  Rev.  J.  W.  Hull,  he  volun- 
tarily asked  a  suspension  from  the  exercise  of  the  ministerial 
functions,  until  his  difficulties  be  properly  adjusted.  His 
request  was  granted. 

Concerning  the  drafting  of  regulations  on  the  Duties  of 
Church  Officers,  Revs.  A.  Henkel  and  J.  Stirewalt  were  con- 
tinued as  the  committee. 

After  sustaining  a  satisfactory  examination,  Deacons 
Jesse  R.  Peterson,  Polycarp  C.  Henkel,  and  J.  M.  Shaver, 
were  ordained  to  the  office  of  Pastor.  Mr.  Adam  Efird  was 
received  as  a  student  of  theology. 

The  report  shows  that,  during  the  year,  528  infants  and 
26  adults  wrere  baptized,  and  235  persons  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Buehler's  Church,  Sulli- 
van County,  Tennessee,  on  Saturday  before  the  first  Sunday 
in  October,  1847. 

Tu  enty- seven th   Session . 

This  session. convened  in  Buehler's  Church,  Sullivan 
County,  Tennessee,  October  2,  1847. 

The  organization  was  effected  by  appointing  a  presi- 
dent, and  electing  Rev.  Abel  J.  Brown,  secretary. 

Besides  the  ordinary  routine  business,  the  following  are 
the  more  important  transactions  of  this  meeting  : 


114  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

A  committee,  consisting  of  Revs.  Forester  and  Easterly, 
was  appointed  to  prepare  an  obituary  on  the  death  of  Rev. 
Nehemiah  Bonham. 

"The  committee  appointed  to  examine  and  report  on 
the  papers  pertaining  to  the  case  of  the  Rev.  J.  W.  Hull, 
submitted  the  following  : 

Papers,  Class  ist,  Nos.  i,  2,  3,  4,  5,  and  6,  are  petitions 
from  Bethany  Stand,  St.  Martin's,  Mt.  Moriah,  Goose  Creek, 
Morning  Star,  and  Rocky  River  Churches,  North  Carolina, 
signed  by  73  persons,  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  in 
which  most  of  the  petitioners  state  that  they  have  been  sup- 
plied with  preaching,  during  the  past  year,  by  brother  Hull  ; 
and  that  after  the  limit  assigned  him  by  the  action  of  the 
last  Synod,  had  expired,  he  preached  at  their  request,  and 
upon  their  responsibility.  They  further  state,  that  they  be- 
lieve he  has  been  acquitted  of  the  charge  alleged  against 
him,  according  to  the  Constitution  of  our  Synod  and  the 
Holy  Scriptures  :  and  that  further  action  upon  the  subject 
would  be  contrary  to  both.  They  also  pray  that  he  may  be 
continued  amongst  them  as  their  minister. 

Papers,  Class  2d,  are  certificates  of  the  good  general 
character  of  Mr.  Hull,  as  a  Christian  and  Christian  minis- 
ter, signed  by  202  persons  belonging  to  the  Lutheran,  Pres- 
byterian, Methodist,  Baptist,  and  Seceder  Churches,  and 
persons  in  connection  with  no  church. 

Papers,  Class  3d,  is  a  certificate  by  Mr.  Setzer,  known 
to  one  of  the  committee  as  a  man  of  intelligence  and  high 
standing  in  society,  stating  that  Mr.  Hull  has  made  efforts 
to  reconcile  his  wife  and  induce  her  to  live  with  him,  but 
without  success. 

From  all  the  light  the  committee  have  been  able  to  ob- 
tain upon  this  difficult  and  painful  subject,  they  are  of  opinion 
that  Mr.  Hull  is  censurable  in  some  respects  ;  and  especially 
for  having,  as  they  think,  in  violation  of  his  agreement  wyith 
the  Synod,  at  its  last  session,  preached  before  the  difficulties 
between  him  and  his  wife  were  settled  ;  but  that  in  this 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  1 1  5 

there  is  a  mitigating  circumstance,  as  will  appear  from  papers, 
Class  1  st. 

The  committee  recommend, 

1 .  That  Mr.  Hull  preach  for  those  churches  which  have 
petitioned  for  his  services. 

2.  That  the  Synod  advise  Mr.  Hull,  as  he  is  not  wholly 
free  from  censure,  that  he  be  very  careful  as  to  his  walk  and 
conversation,  and  that  he  make  all  possible,  reasonable 
efforts,  to  adjust  the  difficulties  existing  between  him  and 
his  wife,  and  live  with  her  in  peace  and  harmony,  as  the 
Scriptures  require  man  and  wife  to  live  together. 

Adopted  by  vote  of  the  Synod. ' ' 

"The  committee,  composed  of  A.  J.  Brown,  J.  Stire- 
walt,  J.  Killian,  John  Moser,  A.  W.  Abernathy,  and  Daniel 
Seagle,  on  letters  and  petitions  addressed  to  Synod  in  refer- 
ence to  the  Rev.  Adam  Miller,  formerly  a  member  of  the 
Tennessee  Synod,  but  who,  while  under  heavy  charges  of 
immorality,  withdrew  his  membership  from  our  connection, 
at  the  last  session  of  our  Synod,   submitted  the  following : 

In  the  papers  committed  to  our  hands,  we  find  three 
different  classes : 

1.  There  are  several  petitions,  signed  by  members  of 
churches  which  have,  through  their  delegates  to  Synod, 
withdrawn  from  our  connection,  and  persons  not  belonging 
to  our  church,  which,  your  committee  are  of  opinion,  re- 
quire no  action  from  Synod. 

2.  There  are  two  petitions,  one  from  St.  James'  Church, 
Greene,  and  the  other  from  Salem  Church,  Cocke  County, 
Tennessee,  in  connection  with  our  Synod,  and  some  peti- 
tions from  individual  members  belonging  to  different 
churches  in  connection  with  the  Synod ;  also  a  letter  from 
the  Rev.  G.  Easterly,  in  which  the  petitioners  and  the 
writer  of  the  letter  charge  our  Synod  with  having  dealt 
with  Mr.  Miller  contrary  to  our  Constitution  and  the  Scrip- 
tures, and  call  upon  Synod  to  reconsider  and  revoke  its 
former  proceedings  in  reference  to  the  said  Miller ;  and,  at 
the  same  time,  declaring  their  intention  of  withdrawing  from 


Il6  HISTORY    OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

our  connection,  in  case  we  do  not  comply  with  their  request. 

3.  There  is  another  class  of  petitions  from  churches  in 
connection  with  our  Synod,  formerly  under  the  pastoral 
charge  of  Mr.  Miller ;  and  also  two  letters  from  the  Rev. 
Ambrose  Henkel  and  the  other  from  the  Rev.  Polycarp  C. 
Henkel,  in  which  the  petitioners  and  writers  of  the  letters 
express  it  as  their  opinion  that  Synod  has  acted,  in  reference 
to  Mr.  Miller,  in  strict  accordance  with  our  Constitution 
and  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  protest  against  its  revoking 
any  of  its  former  proceedings  in  his  case ;  some  of  the  peti- 
tioners moreover  declare  that  it  would  be  subversive  of  the 
best  interests,  if  not  ruinous  to  the  Synod,  to  receive  the 
said  Miller  again  into  its  connection  ;  and  that  if  it  does, 
they,  in  that  case,  will  withdraw  their  connection  from  our 
Synod.  , 

After  a  full  investigation  of  the  whole  matter,  and  the 
most  serious  and  prayerful  reflection  upon  this  difficult  and 
painful  subject,  your  committee,  under  a  deep  sense  of  their 
responsibility,  would  recommend  the  following  resolution 
for  the  adoption  of  Synod  : 

Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Synod,  the  Synod 
has  not,  in  its  former  proceedings,  in  reference  to  the  charges 
against  the  Rev.  Adam  Miller,  violated  either  its  Constitu- 
tion or  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  cannot  therefore  disannul 
its  proceedings. 

The  balance  of  the  forenoon  session  was  spent  in  the 
discussion  of  this  matter.  A  recess  being  given,  Rev. 
Goodman  preached  from  John  5,  39. 

After  sermon,  the  discussion  was  resumed,  and  after  a 
thorough  consideration,  the  report  was  adopted  with  but 
two  dissenting  voices. 

After  a  satisfactory  examination,  Deacons  Timothy 
Moser,  James  M.  Wagner,  and  James  K.  Hancher  were 
ordained  to  the  office  of  Pastor,  and  Mr.  Adam  Efird  to  that 
of  Deacon. 

Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel  was  requested  to  prepare  a  trans- 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  II? 

lation  of  Luther's  Sermon  on  the  Sin  Against  the  Holy 
•Ghost,  and  have  it  appended  to  the  Minutes. 

During  this  synodical  year,  738  infants  and  51  adults 
were  baptized,  and  315  persons  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Solomon's  Church,  Shen- 
andoah County,  Virginia,  on  Saturday  before  the  first 
Sunday  in  October,  1848. 

Twenty-eighth  Session-. 

This  convention  assembled  in  Solomon's  Church,  Shen- 
andoah County,  Virginia,  September  30,  1848. 

It  was  organized  by  electing  a  president,  and  Rev.  J. 
R.  Moser,  secretary,  with  Rev.  H.  Wetzel  as  assistant. 

In  relation  to  Rev.  Joseph  W.  Hull,  it  was  resolved, 
that  Synod  rejoices  to  learn  that  his  difficulties  have  been 
satisfactorily  adjusted. 

With  respect  to  the  obituary  ordered  at  the  previous 
meeting,  to  be  prepared  on  Rev.  N.  Bonham,  and  appended 
to  the  Minutes  of  that  session,  it  was  ordered  that,  as  it  did 
not  reach  the  printer  in  time  to  appear  in  that  number  of 
the  Minutes,  it  be  appended  to  this  number. 

"Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel  laid  before  this  body  copies  of 
several  works  published  by  Mr.  Ludwig,  of  New  York  ;  and 
Revs.  Stirewalt,  J.  R.  Moser,  Wetzel,  Swaney,  and  Mr.  D. 
M.  Henkel,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  and 
report  on  the  same.     The  report  was  favorable. 

Dr.  Henkel  also  informed  Synod  that  the  translation 
of  the  Book  of  Concord  has  been  in  progress  for  some  time, 
and  is  now  gone  through  with  for  the  first  time ;  but  before 
it  will  be  ready  for  the  press,  the  whole  will  have  to  receive 
some  further  revision.  He  expects  to  be  able  to  have  it 
ready  for  delivery  some  time  next  summer.  The  object  in 
deferring  the  publication  is  to  give  time  to  have  the  trans- 
lation as  correct  as  possible. 

Dr.  Henkel  also  stated,  that  inasmuch  as  the  distinct- 
ive doctrines  of  the  Lutheran  Church  on  the  Sacraments  t 
are  not   generally  understood  by  the  English   community, 


fl8  HISTORY   OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

owing  to  the  fact,  that  the  most  of  Luther's  works  are  ex- 
tant only  in  the  German  and  Latin  languages,  he  therefore 
announces  to  our  bod}'  that  he  contemplates  publishing  a 
volume  containing  a  translation  into  English  of  Luther's 
letter  on  Anabaptism,  and  his  sermon  on  the  subject  of 
Baptism,  in  which  he  gives  a  full  explanation  of  the  whole 
subject  of  Baptism  ;  and  also  his  larger  confession  on  the 
Lord's  Supper,  which  treats  that  subject  in  full.  He  pro- 
poses, if  deemed  expedient  by  Synod,  to  make  arrangements 
to  have  the  work  correctly  translated,  and  published  as 
soon  as  practicable. 

Resolved,  That  the  proposition  of  Dr.  Henkel  meets 
with  the  entire  approbation  of  Synod  ;  and  that  we  most 
cheerfully  recommend  the  work  to  our  churches. 

Whereas,  in  a  work  published  by  Dr.  Hazelius,  of 
Lexington,  South  Carolina,  entitled  '  The  History  of  the 
American  Lutheran  Church,'  we  find  erroneous  statements 
in  regard  to  our  body;  and  whereas  said  work  has  been 
recommended  to  the  public  by  various  ecclesiastical  bodies 
and  religious  publications  ;  and  whereas  those  statements, 
under  such  circumstances,  are  well  calculated  to  mislead 
the  mind  of  the  public  and  prejudice  it  against  our  body, 
and  operate  very  injuriously  to  the  cause  of  truth,  be  it 
therefore 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  A.  Henkel,  J.  Stirewalt,  J. 
Killian,  Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel,  and  Mr.  Socrates  Henkel,  be 
appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the  statements  referred 
to,  and  correct  such  errors  as  they  may  notice  therein  ;  and 
that  they  request  the  editors  of  the  Lutheran  Standard, 
Lutheran  Observer,  and  such  other  papers  as  ma)'  be  deemed 
expedient,  to  publish  such  corrections  in  connection  with 
this  preamble  and  resolution. 

The  committee,  composed  of  J.  R.  Moser,  H.  Wetzel, 
S.  G.  Henkel,  and  T.  Moser,  appointed  to  report  on  the 
subject  of  entering  into  a  friendly  correspondence  with  the 
Western  Virginia  Synod,  handed  in  the  following  report." 

'We,  the  committee  appointed  to  report  on  the  subject 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  II9 

■of  entering  into  a  friendly  correspondence  with  the  Western 
Virginia  Synod,  submit  the  following. 

We  find  the  following  papers  having  reference  to  the 
subject : 

No.  1  is  a  letter  to  Synod,  by  Rev.  A.  J.  Brown,  in 
which  he  states  that  he  received  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  E. 
Hawkins,  a  member  of  the  Western  Virginia  Synod,  on  this 
subject,  which  he  refers,  together  with  his  answer  to  the 
same,  to  our  Synod,  for  their  action. 

No.  2  is  the  above-named  letter  of  Rev.  E.  Hawkins 
to  brother  Brown,  the  object  of  which  is  the  establishment 
of  a  friendly  correspondence  between  our  Synod  and  the 
Western  Virginia  Synod,  by  a  reciprocal  interchange  of 
delegates  between  the  two  Synods. 

No.   3  is  brother  Brown's   answer  to   Rev.    Hawkins 
letter,  in  which  he  gives  his  views  on  this  subject. 

No.  4  is  a  petition  from  St.  Paul's  Church,  Augusta 
County,  Virginia,  stating  that  the  petitioners  '  are  opposed 
to  any  union  of  energies  and  resources  between  us  and  the 
New  Lutherans,  except  on  the  condition  that  they  first  re- 
nounce all  their    Anti-Lutheran  doctrines,   measures,   &c. ' 

After  mature  deliberation  on  this  subject,  your  com- 
mittee would  recommend  the  following  resolution  for  the 
adoption  of  Synod : 

Resolved,  That,  although  it  would  afford  us  the  highest 
gratification,  and  we  most  sincerely  desire  to  see  those  who 
are  one  with  us  in  name,  also  united  in  doctrine  and  prac^ 
tice ;  and  in  that  case,  would  most  cheerfully  unite  and 
co-operate  with  them  in  such  measures  as  are  calculated  to 
advance  and  promote  the  cause  of  truth  ;  yet,  we  wish  it  to 
be  distinctly  understood,  that  however  much  a  union  is 
desired,  it  can  only  be  effected  upon  the  assurance  of  a  strict 
adherence  to  the  doctrines  and  usages  of  our  Church,  as  set 
forth  in  its  Symbols  ;  and  until  we  can  have  this  assurance, 
we,  on  our  part,  can  consent  to  no  such  union. 

Unanimously  adopted. 

Resolved,  That  we   rejoice  to  learn  that  some  of  our 


f20  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

German  Lutheran  brethren  in  the  West,  have  formed  them- 
selves into  a  Synod,  called  "The  German  Evangelical  Lu- 
theran Synod  of  Missouri,  Ohio,  and  other  States,"  and 
that  they  are  publishing  a  German  paper,  styled  "  Der 
Lutheraner"  which  is  devoted  to  the  promulgation  and 
defence  of  the  primitive  doctrines  and  usages  of  the  Lutheran 
Church  ;  to  which  paper  we  would  call  the  attention  of  our 
German  brethren." 

Deacon  Denis  D.  Swaney  was  ordained  to  the  pastoral 
office,  and  applicant  David  M.  Henkel  to  that  of  Deacon. 
Mr.  Daniel  Efird  was  received  as  a  theological  student. 

The  number  of  baptisms,  as  reported,  is  430  infants,  26 
adults,  and  5  slaves,  and  that  of  confirmation,  252. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Beck's  Church,  Davidson 
County,  North  Carolina,  October  20,  1849. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Nehemiah  Bonham. — "The  following  is  an  ab- 
stract of  the  facts  collected  by  the  Rev.  George  Easterly  and  D.  For- 
ester, in  relation  to  our  departed  brother  in  Christ,  the  Rev.  N. 
Bonham  : 

The  Rev.  N.  Bonham  was  born  on  the  1st  day  of  November,  1765. 
He  studied  theology  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Paul  Henkel,  and 
received  license  to  preach  in  the  year  1790,  being  25  years  of  age  ;  and 
in  the  year  1791  he  was  ordained  pastor  by  the  Rev.  John  George 
Butler,  a  member  of  the  Maryland  and  Virginia  Synod.  In  the  year 
1824,  he  attached  himself  to  the  Tennessee  Synod,  and  continued  an 
active  member  of  the  same  until  the  year  1844,  when  he  was  thrown 
from  his  carriage  and  severely  wounded,  by  which  he  was  disabled 
from  rendering  further  services  to  the  church,  as  he  never  recovered 
from  the  injuries  he  received  by  the  fall. 

He  departed  this  life  on  the  5th  of  November,  1846  ;  aged  81  years 
and  4  days,  of  which  about  54  years  had  been  devoted  to  the  ministry. 
His  death  was  lamented  by  an  affectionate  wife  and  eight  children, 
and  also  by  the  little  flock  which  he  had  gathered  at  Morning  Star 
Church,  Haywood  County,  North  Carolina,  at  which  place  his  remains 
were  solemnly  deposited." 

Twenty-ninth  Session. 

This  meeting  convened  in  Beck's  Church,  Davidson 
County,  North  Carolina,  October  20,  1849. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  121 

Rev.  J.  R.  Peterson  was  elected  secretary,  with  Rev. 
P.  C.  Henkel  as  assistant. 

The  following  will  present,  in  brief,  the  more  special 
proceedings  of  this  convention  : 

Christian  Moretz,  Jr.,  was  received  as  a  student  of 
theology. 

' '  Whereas  the  Rev.  George  Easterly  has  withdrawn 
himself  from  this  body  since  the  last  session  of  our  Synod, 
by  forming  a  body  in  Tennessee,  which  styles  itself  '  The 
Reorganized  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod  ;'  and 
whereas  the  said  body,  in  its  proceedings,  has  charged  our 
Synod  with  violating  its  constitution,  according  to  '  their 
opinion;'  be  it  therefore 

Resolved  i.  That  the  name  of  the  Rev.  G.  Easterly  be 
no  longer  retained  in  our  clerical  catalogue ;  and 

2.  That  so  soon  as  the  said  body  shall  have  clearly 
pointed  out  in  what  respect  our  Synod  has  violated  its  con- 
stitution, we  shall  proceed  to  meet  the  charge." 

On  petition,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Gaston  County,  North 
Carolina,  was  received  into  connection  with  this  Synod. 

At  a  called  session  of  a  portion  of  the  ministers  of 
Synod,  held  in  Emmanuel's  Church,  New  Market,  Virginia, 
September  n,  1849,  Deacon  David  M.  Henkel  was  ordained 
to  the  office  of  Pastor. 

As  far  as  reported,  631  infants  and  44  adults  were 
baptized,  and  295  persons  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Solomon's  Church,  Cove 
Creek,  Green  County,  Tennessee,  on  Saturday  before  the 
third  Sunday  of  September,  1850. 

Thirtieth  Session. 

This  session  met  in  Solomon's  Church,  Green  County, 
Tennessee,  September  14,  1850. 

After  the  election  of  a  president,  Rev.  J.  R.  Peterson 
was  appointed  secretary. 

Union    Church,  Washington  County,  Tennessee,    and 


122  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

Winkler's  Church,  Burk  County,  North  Carolina,  were  re- 
ceived into  Synod. 

On  petition,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Catawba  County,  North 
Carolina,  which  had  been  withdrawn  from  Synod,  contrary 
to  its  will,  by  its  delegate,  at  the  time  Rev.  Adam  Miller, 
in  October,  1846,  withdrew  from  Synod,  was  received  back 
into  Synod  again.  St.  John's  Church,  in  the  same  county, 
which  had  been  withdrawn  from  Synod,  in  a  similar  man- 
ner, at  the  same  time,  was  also  received  back   into  Synod. 

Rev.  U.  Forester  not  considering  himself  properly  a 
member  of  Synod,  it  was  ordered  that  his  name  be  no  longer 
continued  in  its  clerical  catalogue. 

It  was  also  resolved,  that,  in  the  future,  the  number  of 
the  congregations  and  of  the  communicants  be  also  included 
in  the  parochial  report. 

After  submitting  to  the  usual  examinations,  Deacons 
Adam  Efird  and  Thomas  Crouse  were  ordained  as  Pastors, 
and  applicants  Daniel  Efird,  James  Fleenor,  and  J.  B. 
Emmert  as  Deacons. 

With  respect  to  the  case  of  the  Rev.  Adam  Miller,  who 
withdrew  from  the  Synod  in  October,  1846,  which  resulted 
in  an  effort  to  form  what  was  erroneously  called  the  ' '  Re- 
organized Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,"  the 
Committee  on  Letters,  among  other  things,  reported  the 
following : 

' '  No.  5  are  the  proceedings  of  the  third  meeting  of  the 
'Associate  Council'  of  the  Lutheran  churches  of  Catawba, 
Lincoln,  and  Gaston  Counties,  North  Carolina,  which 
assembled  at  Salem  Church,  Lincoln,  North  Carolina,  on 
Friday,  the  2d  of  August,  1850,  in  which  they  state  that 
every  honorable  effort  was  made  to  acquit  the  Rev.  A. 
Miller  of  the  charge  of  adultery  preferred  against  him,  but 
that  all  resulted  in  an  entire  failure,  and  did  not  render  his 
innocence  even  probable.  They  also  show,  to  some  extent, 
the  futility  of  the  proceedings  of  the  pretended  '  Reorgan- 
ized Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,'  and  the 
falsity  of  its  allegations  preferred  against  our  Synod.     They 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  1 23 

also  recommend  Synod  to  reply  to  the  charges  made  by  the 
said  '  Reorganized  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod ' 
against  us." 

Concerning  this  same  case,  it  was  also  ascertained  that 
the  committee,  appointed  to  reply  to  and  refute  these  charges, 
had  done  so  in  a  very  able  and  satisfactory  manner.  The 
reply  is  appended  to  the  Minutes  of  this  session,  and  covers 
nineteen  closely  printed  pages.  It  is  clear  and  exhaustive, 
and  leaves  no  room  for  escape ;  and  in  confirmation  of  the 
same  position,  it  is  followed  by  an  appendix,  signed  by 
twelve  elders  who  formerly  belonged  to  the  said  Miller's 
charge.  It  is  regretted  that  the  reply  is  too  long  for  inser- 
tion in  this  connection. 

At  a  called  session  of  a  part  of  the  ministers  of  Synod, 
held  in  Koiner's  Church,  Augusta  County,  Virginia,  April 
7,  1850,  applicant  Socrates  Henkel  was  examined,  and  or- 
dained to  the  office  of  Deacon,  by  Revs.  Jacob  Killian  and 
Henry  Wetzel. 

According  to  the  report,  during  this  year,  530  infants 
and  44  adults  were  baptized,  and  212  confirmed. 

The  time  and  place  fixed  for  the  next  meeting  were, 
Saturday  before  the  first  Sunday  in  October,  1851,  and 
Koiner's  Church,  Augusta  County,  Virginia. 

During  this  decade,  there  were  sixteen  applicants  for 
the  ministry;  sixteen  were  ordained  to  the  office  of  Deacon, 
and  fourteen  to  that  of  Pastor ;  one  minister  withdrew  from 
Synod,  the  names  of  two  ministers  were  discontinued  from 
the  clerical  catalogue,  and  two  died;  6,576  infants,  442 
adults,  and  28  slaves  were  baptized,  and  2,828  persons  were 
confirmed.  It  should  be  kept  in  view  that  the  reports  were 
not  generally  full. 

FOURTH   DECADE. 

Thirty-first  Session. 

Synod  met  in  its  thirty-first  convention  in  Koiner's 
Church,  Augusta  County,  Virginia,  October  4-10,  1851. 


f24  HISTORY   OF  THE    EVANGELICAL 

Rev.  Jacob  Killian  was  elected  president,  and  Rev.  H. 
Wetzel,  secretary. 

Rev.  Andrew  Henkel  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Joint 
Synod  of  Ohio,  being  present  as  a  delegate  from  that  Synod, 
was  received  as  an  advisory  member. 

Among  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting,  the  following 
is  of  general  interest : 

Rev.  Denis  D.  Swaney  was  granted  an  honorable  dis- 
charge from  this  Synod  to  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod 
of  Ohio. 

The  Rev.  John  F.  Campbell  appeared  and  presented 
credentials  as  a  delegate  from  the  "Lutheran  Synod  of  Vir- 
ginia," to  this  convention  of  our  Synod.  But  inasmuch  as 
the  Synod  of  Virginia,  at  her  sessions  in  1838  and  1839, 
passed  resolutions,  denouncing  the  ministers  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  and  misrepresenting  her 
doctrines,  and  warned  the  vacant  churches  in  Virginia 
against  them  ;  and  inasmuch  as  these  resolutions  were  cal- 
culated to  excite  the  public  mind  against  our  ministers  and 
the  doctrines  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  where  they  are  not 
known  ;  it  was  therefore 

Resolved,  That  we  cannot  consistently  with  a  sense  of 
duty  to  ourselves,  as  an  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod,  re- 
ceive delegates  from  the  Virginia  Synod,  until  they  render 
us  justice  by  rescinding  the  aforenamed  resolutions,  and 
give  us  evidence  of  their  strict  adherence  to  the  doctrines 
contained  in  the  Symbols  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church. 

After  the  Rev.  Mr.  Campbell  could  not  be  received  as 
a  delegate,  he  was  invited  by  the  President  to  a  seat  as  an 
honorary  member,  which  he  cordially  accepted. 

The  Committee  on  Letters  submitted  the  following, 
which  was  received  and  adopted : 

Number  five  is  a  letter  from  Prof.  Reynolds,  directed 
to  Rev.  Andrew  Henkel,  delegate  to  this  Synod  from  the  Joint 
Synod  of  Ohio,  with  the  request  that  he  present  this  Synod 
with  its  contents, — in  which  he  expresses  a  desire  to  see  a 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  125. 

closer  and  more  efficient  union  between  the  Tennessee  and 
Ohio  Synods,  which  have  the  same  doctrinal  basis,  than 
that  which  now  exists,  or  can  be  effected  by  simply  adopt- 
ing a  system  of  an  interchange  of  delegates,  and  suggests 
several  methods  by  which  he  thinks  this  union  can  be 
effected.  He  also  expresses  a  desire  that  this  Synod  should 
increase  her  efforts  to  extend  the  circulation  of  the  Lutheran 
Standard  and  Evangelical  Review,  among  her  members. 

Your  committee  are  gratified  to  learn,  through  the 
interesting  and  fraternal  communication  of  Prof.  Reynolds, 
that  our  brethren  in  Ohio  wish  to  approach  us  in  a  closer 
connection  in  reference  to  energies  and  resources,  to  promote 
the  cause  and  welfare  of  the  Church  in  general.. 

Your  committee  beg  leave,  therefore,  to  submit  the 
following  resolutions : 

Resolved  1.  That  in  reference  to  a  closer  and  more  effi- 
cient connection  between  the  Joint  Synod  of  Ohio  and  this 
Synod,  it  is  deemed  inexpedient  for  Synod  at  present  to 
propose  any  plan  further  than  that  of  sending  delegates. 

2.  That  Synod  repeat  her  former  recommendation  of 
the  Lutheran  Standard,  and  that  our  ministers  use  their 
influence  with  their  members  to  increase  its  circulation. 

3.  That  inasmuch  as  the  Evangelical  Review  calls  forth 
some  of  the  ablest  expositions  of  the  doctrines  of  our  Church, 
and  also  exposes  contrary  doctrines,  Synod  recommends  it 
to  the  clergy  particularly,  and  the  public  in  general,  who 
wish  to  become  acquainted  with  the  controverted  points 
of  doctrine. 

Melanchthon  Church,  Randolph  County,  North  Caro- 
lina, was  received  into  Synod. 

Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel,  one  of  the  publishers  of  the  "  Book 
of  Concord"  in  the  English  language,  now  informed  Synod 
that  that  work  is  completed  and  ready  for  delivery. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  report,  at  some  future 
stage  of  this  meeting,  on  the  above  publication  of  the  Book 
of  Concord. 

Committee — Rev.   Messrs.   Wm.    Hancher,   J.    Killian, 


126  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

A.  Henkel,  of  Ohio,  H.  Goodman,  A.  Efird,  and  CoL 
Hedick. 

At  the  proper  time,  the  committee  submitted  the  fol- 
lowing report : 

"The  committee  to  whom  the  duty  was  assigned  to  re- 
port on  the  Book  of  Concord,  lately  published  by  Solomon 
D.  Henkel  and  Brothers,  beg  leave  to  report : 

That  the  short  space  of  time  allotted  them,  together 
with  a  sense  of  their  inadequacy  to  judge  upon  a  work  so 
important  as  the  one  assigned,  would  induce  them  to  sus- 
pend their  judgment  in  regard  to  the  correctness  of  the 
translation  ;  but  that  the  work  is  otherwise  well  executed, 
and  its  contents  such,  as  to  be  of  inestimable  value  to  all 
who  desire  a  thorough  acquaintance  with  the  doctrines  and 
usages  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church.  And7  although 
the  committee  beg  leave,  for  the  reasons  above  assigned,  to 
suspend  their  individual  judgment  upon  the  translation, 
yet,  from  the  knowledge  they  have  of  the  literary  attain- 
ments and  abilities  of  the  translators,  and  the  reviser  of  the 
translation,  they  would  not  hesitate  a  moment  to  say,  that 
they  believe  it  fully  expresses  the  sense  of  the  original  in 
which  it  was  written.  And  the  committee  beg  leave  further 
to  state, — That,  considering  the  peculiarly  critical  condition 
in  which  the  Lutheran  community  is  placed  at  this  time, 
and  also  the  great  importance  of  the  undertaking,  together 
with  the  unavoidable  expense  it  incurred,  they  are  con- 
strained to  say,  that  the  Church  should  feel  herself  under 
deep  obligations  to  the  individuals  engaged  in   the  above. 

We,  the  committee,  beg  leave  to  recommend  the  fol- 
lowing resolutions : 

Resolved  i .  That  this  Synod  owe  a  deep  sense  of  grati- 
tude to  the  brethren  who  were  engaged  in  the  above  arduous 
work  ;  and  that  her  thanks  be  herewith  tendered  to  them. 

Resolved  2.  That  she  earnestly  recommend  this  work 
to  all  her  ministers  in  particular,  and  their  members  in 
general. 

Resolved  3.  That  these   recommendations  be  extended 


WTHE^RAN  TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  1 27 

'to  all  who  call  themselves  Lutheran  ministers,  throughout 
the  Lutheran  Church,,  and  the  community  in  general. 

Resolved  4.  That  the  above  report  and  resolutions  be 
published  in  the  Lutheran  Standard,  and  that  the  Secretary 
forward  a  copy  of  the  same  to  the  Rev.  C.  Spielmann  for 
that  purpose." 

Received  and  adopted  unanimously. 

Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel  informed  Synod  that  the  work, 
"Luther  on  the  Sacraments,"  which  he  announced  to  Synod 
in  1848,  (see  Minutes  of  1848,  page  7,)  is  now  in  progress 
of  publication,  and  will  be  out  by  next  meeting  of  this 
Synod.  He  also  informed  Synod  that  Luther's  Large  and 
Small  Catechisms,  in  one  i2mo.  volume,  are  in  course  of 
publication,  and  will  be  ready  for  delivery  in  a  few  months. 

Resolved,  That  Synod  learns  with  much  pleasure,  and 
feelings  of  gratitude  to  the  publisher,  the  nearness  of  com- 
pletion of  the  above  named  works. 

The  firm  of  Solomon  D.  Henkel  &  Brothers,  New 
Market,  Virginia,  consisted  of  four  brothers,  namely,  Dr. 
Samuel  Godfrey,  Mr.  Siram  P.,  Mr.  Solomon  D.,  and  Dr. 
Solon  P.  C.  Henkel.  They  were  sons  of  Dr.  Solomon 
Henkel,  who  was  a  son  of  Rev.  Paul  Henkel. 

Of  this  firm,  Dr.  Samuel  Godfrey  Henkel  made  all 
the  necessary  arrangements  to  secure  correct  translations 
of  these  works,  as  well  as  to  assure  their  publication  in  an 
English  dress.  The  best  authenticated  copies  of  the  origi- 
nal works  had  to  be  obtained  for  use  in  the  translations. 
He  had  the  general  supervision  and  management  of  the 
translations  during  their  progress  and  completion,  and 
superintended  the  matter  as  it  passed  through  the  press. 
The  undivided  gratitude  of  the  Church  is  due  this  firm  in 
view  of  such  untiring  efforts  and  labors  in  presenting  these 
works  to  the  public  in  the  English  language. 

Whilst,  as  a  physician  and  surgeon,  he  had  few  supe- 
riors in  the  State,  be  was  a  zealous  Christian,  of  respectable 
attainments  in  English,  German,  and  Latin,  as  well  as  a 
good  practical  printer,  well  up  in   Lutheran   theology  and 


128  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

general  literature,  always  taking  a  deep  interest  in  the 
Church, — a  man  of  sound  judgment,  with  indomitable  en- 
ergy and  untiring  zeal.  He  was  very  familiar  with  the 
German  language,  and  spoke  it  fluently. 

The  following  is  what  he  says  relative  to  this  matter, 
in  the  prefaces  to  the  first  and  second  editions  of  the 
Christian  Book  of  Concord : 

"The  Book  of  Concord,  comprising  the  Symbols  of  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  has  as  yet  enjoyed  but  a 
limited  circulation  in  the  United  States.  Wrapped  in  the 
obscurities  of  its  original  languages, — the 'Latin  and  Ger- 
man,— that  venerable  production  of  the  Reformation  has 
been  left  to  slumber  almost  entirely  in  silence  and  neglect. 
Numerous  causes  have  contributed  to  prolong  this  neglect. 
The  descendants  of  German  emigrants  in  America,  have 
never  cultivated  the  language  and  literature  of  their  fathers 
with  due  interest ;  many  of  them  are  unable  to  read  German ; 
while  many,  able  to  read,  and  occupying  elevated  stations, 
have  never  manifested  a  laudable  zeal  for  the  doctrines  of 
the  Church.  The  most  obvious  cause,  however,  seems  to 
be,  that  the  larger  portion  of  Lutherans  in  America,  are 
accustomed  to  read  the  English  language  only,  and  conse- 
quently have  never  had  an  opportunity  to  appreciate  the 
value  of  their  Symbols. 

Yet,  we  cherish  the  anticipation  of  a  brighter  day  in 
the  Lutheran  Church.  In  a  land  of  freedom,  of  science, 
and  art,  where  the  generous  spirit  of  political  wisdom  en- 
courages the  exercise  of  reason,  and  guards  the  decisions  of 
conscience ;  where  industry,  energy,  and  enterprise,  though 
daily  attaining  fresh  prospects  of  future  improvement,  are 
continually  unburying  the  sacred  treasures  of  the  past,  we 
believe  that  the  doctrines  of  our  Church  will  ultimately  be 
reclaimed,  and  that  men  of  our  western  clime  will  enter 
into  the  investigation  of  these  doctrines  with  all  the  avidity 
natural  to  a  love  for  the  truth.  That  these  doctrines  and 
these  principles  of  immutable  truth,  are  congenial  with  the 
tastes  and  feelings  of  the  American  mind,  we  may  fearlessly 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  1 29 

deduce  from  recent  facts.  Within  the  last  few  years,  the 
Book  of  Concord  and  Luther's  House-Sermons  have  been 
reprinted  in  this  country;  and  several  of  Luther's  works 
have  lately  been  translated  into  the  English  language,  and 
circulated  extensively. 

It  was,  therefore,  reasonable  to  presume,  that  a  faithful 
translation  of  the  Book  of  Concord  into  the  English  lan- 
guage, was  demanded  by  the  necessities  of  the  times,  and 
would  effectually  co-operate  with  these  laudable  exertions. 
Partial  translations  indeed  of  the  Augsburg  Confession  had 
been  made  at  different  times ;  but  it  had  never  been  fully 
rendered  into  English  until  1831,  when  a  translation  was 
completed  by  the  Rev.  Charles  Henkel,  assisted  by  Pro- 
fessor Schmidt,  of  Columbus  Seminary,  Ohio  ;  and  several 
small  fragments  from  the  Book  of  Concord,  were  subse- 
quently translated  by  others. 

At  the  urgent  solicitation  of  many  zealous  members  of 
the  Church,  we  announced,  October  9th,  1845,  our  resolu- 
tion to  procure  a  correct  English  version  of  the  entire  work, 
and  publish  it  as  soon  as  practicable.  Since  that  period  no 
time  or  labor  has  been  spared  to  fulfill  our  promise. 

We  have  had  to  engage  the  talents  not  only  of  men 
familiar  with  the  Lutheran  doctrine,  as  well  as  with  the 
German  and  English  languages,  but,  in  consequence  of  the 
obsolete  style  in  which  the  German  copy  of  this  work  was 
originally  written,  we  have  constantly  had  recourse  to  men 
who  were  able  to  consult  the  Latin  copy  whenever  it  was 
requisite.  And  here  we  feel  bound  in  justice  to  the  indus- 
try and  valuable  abilities  of  those  who  contributed  their 
friendly  aid,  to  specify  the  several  portions  furnished  by  each. 

The  Augsburg  Confession,  the  Apology,  the  Smalcald 
Articles,  the  Appendix,  and  the  Articles  of  Visitation,  in 
a  version  purely  literal,  were  furnished  by  the  Rev.  Ambrose 
and  Socrates  Henkel.  The  Large  Catechism  was  transla- 
ted, in  the  same  manner,  by  the  Rev.  J.  Stirewalt ;  the 
Epitome  by  the  Rev.  H.  Wetzel ;  and  the  Declaration  by 
the  Rev.   J.   R.   Moser.     The  Small  Catechism  was  copied 


130  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

mainly  from  the  translation  by  the  Rev.  David  Henkel, 
published  in  1827.  Much  assistance  in  reviewing  the  proof- 
sheets  throughout  the  publication  of  the  work,  was  rendered 
by  Joseph  Salyards,  Principal  of  the  New  Market  Academy, 
who  has  long  cultivated  the  study  of  science  and  general 
literature ;  and  he  likewise  furnished  translations  of  all  the 
Prefaces,  from  the  Latin,  and  of  the  Historical  Introduction, 
from  the  German. 

All  these  translations  when  collected,  were  carefully 
compared  with  the  original  by  the  Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel, 
and  afterwards,  with  the  exception  of  the  Historical  Intro- 
duction and  the  Prefaces,  were  revised,  transcribed,  and 
prepared  for  the  press  by  the  Rev.  Socrates  Henkel.  We 
have  derived  considerable  assistance,  too,  in  the  progress  of 
the  work,  from  the  Rev.  L.  Eichelberger. 

The  principal  translations  were  made  from  the  German 
edition  of  1 790,  published  at  Leipsic  ;  and,  being  favored 
by  the  Rev.  C.  P.  Krauth,  with  a  copy  of  the  original 
German  Dresden  edition  of  1580,  we  were  enabled  to  com- 
pare them  with  that  also.  The  Latin  copy,  to  which  uni- 
form reference  was  made  in  comparing  the  translations,  was 
that  published  by  Hase  in  1846  ;  and  from  this  the  Prefaces 
were  all  translated.  Whenever  the  German  copy  presented 
insuperable  obscurities,  recourse  was  also  had  to  this  edition 
in  numerous  passages.  The  Appendix  was  taken  from  the 
German  and  Latin  edition  published  by  Muller,  printed  at 
Stuttgard,  1848,  from  which  the  Historical  Introduction 
was  also  translated. 

Deeming  it  most  compatible  with  the  nature  of  the 
work, — the  subjects  being  chiefly  of  a  didactic  and  doctrinal 
character, — we  have  endeavored  throughout  to  preserve  as 
just  and  uniform  a  medium  as  possible,  between  a  transla- 
tion purely  literal,  and  one  which  admits  all  the  freedom 
and  elegance  of  English  composition.  We  have  labored  to 
be  faithful,  and  yet  not  to  offend  the  fastidious  ear.  We 
have  been  anxious  to  preserve  the  serious  tone  and  spirit  of 
the  pious  original.     But,  as  imperfection  is  the  fate  of  all 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  131 

human  efforts,  the  candid  reader  will  no  doubt  discover 
many  inaccuracies.  Any  friendly  suggestion,  therefore, 
pointing  out  such  defects,  will  be  received  with  gratitude, 
and  enable  us  to  render  a  second  edition  more  worthy  of  an 
intelligent  public. 

May  our  labors  be  the  instrument,  in  the  hands  of 
Providence,  for  promoting  an  acquaintance  with  the  Book 
of  Concord,  the  norm  of  all  genuine  Lutherans  since  1580, 
and  for  extending  the  doctrines  taught  by  the  illustrious 
Reformer ! 

In  presenting  the  second  edition  of  the  Book  of  Concord 
in  the  English  language,  the  publishers  take  pleasure  in 
announcing  that  the  whole  work  has  again  been  carefully 
revised  and  compared  with  the  original  text.  The  first 
edition,  though  containing  many  imperfections,  met  never- 
theless with  a  kind  reception  in  the  church ;  which  induced 
the  publishers  to  use  every  effort  that  seemed  necessary  to 
bring  the  work  to  greater  perfection.  Accordingly,  before 
publishing  a  second  edition,  the  talents  of  individuals, 
known  as  literary  men  and  prominent  theologians  in  the 
Church,  were  engaged,  who  were  requested  to  revise  the 
work,  comparing  it  with  the  original,  not  changing  however 
the  language  of  the  first  edition  more  than  would  be  found 
necessary  to  render  it  a  good  translation ;  and  to  these 
gentlemen  sincere  acknowledgments  are  due  for  a  vast 
number  of  valuable  suggestions. 

The  Augsburg  Confession  was  revised  by  Rev.  C.  P. 
Krauth,  D.  D.,  Professor  in  the  Theological  Seminary, 
Gettysburg,  Pa.;  the  Apology,  by  Rev.  W.  F.  Lehmann, 
Professor  of  Theology,  Columbus,  Ohio ;  the  Smalcald 
Articles,  by  Rev.  Wm.  M.  Reynolds,  D.  D.,  President  of 
Capital  University,  Ohio;  Luther's  Small  and  Large  Cate- 
chisms, by  Rev.  J.  G.  Morris,  D.  D.,  Baltimore,  Md.;  and 
the  Formula  of  Concord  and  Catalogue  of  Testimonies,  by 
Rev.  C.  F.  Schaeffer,  D.  D.,  Easton,  Pa.  The  Historical 
Introduction  was  also  carefully  compared   and  revised   by 


132  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

the  original  translator ;  and  every  attention  was  given  by 
the  publishers  to  have  the  corrections  faithfully  attended  to; 
thus  they  feel  confident,  that  the  English  translation  of  the 
Book  of  Concord  will  meet  that  encouragement  from  the 
Church,  which  her  Symbols  originally  received." 

After  sustaining  a  satisfactory  examination,  Deacon 
Socrates  Henkel  was  ordained  to  the  office  of  Pastor. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Salem  Church,  Lincoln 
County,  North  Carolina,  on  the  first  Sunday  of  October,  1852. 

The  Parochial  Report  presents  the  following:  68 
churches,  3,329  communicants,  604  infant  baptisms,  5 
slaves,   and  37  adults,   and  250  confirmations. 

Thirty-second  Session. 

Pursuant  to  adjournment,  Synod  met  in  Salem  Church, 
Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina,  October  2-7,  1852. 

The  election  of  officers  resulted  in  favor  of  Revs.  Jacob 
Killian,  president;  A.  J.  Brown,  secretary;  and  A.  Efird, 
treasurer. 

The  usual  routine  business  received  proper  attention. 

At  the  request  of  petitioners,  Salem,  St.  Peter's  (Piny 
Woods),  St.  Paul's,  Zion's,  St.  Jacob's,  St.  John's,  St. 
Peter's,  and  Bethlehem  Churches,  South  Carolina,  and 
Lingel's,  Caldwell  County,  North  Carolina,  were  received 
in  connection  with  Synod. 

The  President  gave  notice  that,  at  some  future  time,  he 
would  introduce  resolutions  in  regard  to  ministerial  support. 

Rev.  J.  K.  Hancher  gave  notice  that  he  would  intro- 
duce resolutions  in  regard  to  ministerial  education. 

Rev.  A.J.  Brown  gave  notice  that,  at  some  future  period, 
he  would  introduce  resolutions  relative  to  the  establishment 
of  a  Literary  Institution  and  Missionary  operations.  With 
respect  to  this,  it  was 

Resolved  1.  That  the  Synod  devise  some  plan  for  the 
establishment  of  a  Literary  Institution,  which  will  not  con- 
flict with  our  present  Constitution. 


^LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  133 

Resolved  2.  That,  in  reference  to  Beneficiary  Education  J 
and  Missionary  operations,  societies  for  these  purposes  be/ 
formed  disconnected  with  this  Synod. 

The  President,  Rev.  J.  Killian,  introduced  the  follow- 
ing preamble  and  resolutions,  which  were  unanimously 
adopted. 

Whereas,  it  not  unfrequently  occurs  that  the  amount 
of  salary  promised  and  paid  to  the  pastor  by  his  congrega- 
tions, or  charge,  is  so  limited,  either  by  reason  of  the  negli- 
gence or  inability  of  his  church  members,  that  he  is  driven 
by  the  force  of  circumstances  to  devote  a  considerable  portion 
of  his  time  to  other  pursuits  than  those  of  the  ministry,  to 
procure  for  himself  and  family  the  necessaries  and  comforts 
of  life, — thereby  greatly  diminishing  his  usefulness  as  the 
spiritual  shepherd  of  Christ's  flock  ; — and  whereas  we  be- 
lieve that  each  congregation  or  charge  that  possesses  the 
ability  to  do  so,  is  morally  bound  to  make  reasonable  pro- 
visions for  the  temporal  wants  of  their  ministers ;  for  the 
Holy  Scriptures  declare  that,  "If  we  have  sown  unto  you 
spiritual  things,  is  it  a  great  matter  that  we  should  reap 
your  carnal  things  ?"  "  The  laborer  is  worthy  of  his  hire. 
"Even  so  hath  Christ  the  Lord  ordained,  that  they  which 
preach  the  Gospel,  should  live  of  the  Gospel."  Therefore, 
with  a  view  to  the  expression  of  the  convictions  of  this 
Synod,  on  this  subject,  we  do  hereby  adopt  the  following 
resolutions : 

Resolved  1.  That  we  view  with  feelings  of  deep  regret 
and  mortification,  the  extremely  low  views  entertained  by 
too  many  of  our  church  members  in  reference  to  the  ade- 
quate support  of  the  ministry,  and  the  importance  of  meeting 
punctually  their  engagements  to  its  maintenance. 

Resolved  2.  That,  as  a  Synod,  we  entertain  the  belief 
that  those  congregations  which  withhold  from  their  minis- 
ter his  just  dues,  have  no  Scriptural  grounds  to  hope  for, 
much  less  to  expect  the  blessings  of  a  righteous  and  just 
God  to  descend  upon  them,  whilst  keeping  back  "the  wages 
of  him  that  is  hired,"  as  their  spiritual  shepherd. 


# 


134  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

Resolved  3.  That  the  congregations  which  entertain 
enlightened  views  upon  this  subject,  and  manifest  by  their 
practice  a  disposition  to  conform  to  justice,  the  demands 
of  Christian  liberality  and  correct  moral  principle,  are  enti- 
tled to  our  praise  and  gratitude  as  a  Synod  ;  and  we  do 
most  devoutly  pray  that  God  may  bless  them  abundantly 
in  all  their  efforts  to  elevate  the  standard  of  piety  and 
Christian  obligation. 

After  sustaining  a  regular  examination,  Deacon  Daniel 
Efird  was  ordained  to  the  pastoral  office,  and  applicants 
James  E.  Seneker,  John  Seneker,  Christian  Moretz,  Jr.,  and 
Adam  Fleenor,  were  ordained  to  the  office  of  Deacon. 

After  a  long  and  interesting  discussion  in  reference  to 
the  establishment  of  a  Diterary  Institution  within  the  bounds 
of  our  Synod,  it  was 

Resolved  1.  That  the  ministers  of  this  Synod  be  re- 
quested to  take  the  sense  of  the  members  of  their  respective 
congregations  as  to  the  propriety  and  practicability  or  im- 
practicability of  establishing  a  Literary  Institution  within 
the  bounds  of  our  Synod,  disconnected  with  the  Synod,  and 
that  they  report  to  the  next  session  of  our  Synod. 

Resolved  2.  Further,  that  this  Synod  appoint  an  Edu- 
cational Convention,  to  meet,  at  the  time  and  place  of  the 
next  meeting  of  the  Synod,  and  that  the  congregations  in 
connection  with  this  Synod  be  advised  to  appoint  their 
delegates  to  Synod,  delegates  also  to  the  Convention,  and 
that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  devise  a  plan  for  the  estab- 
lishment of  a  Literary  Institution,  and  also  to  prepare  a 
Constitution  for  its  government. 

The  President  appointed  Revs.  P.  C.  Henkel,  A.  J. 
Fox,  J.  R.  Peterson,  and  D.  M.  Henkel,  as  the  committee. 

During  this  year,  the  Parochial  Report  shows  97  con- 
gregations, 4,131  communicants,  637  infants,  26  adults,  and 
30  slaves  were  baptized,  and  179  persons  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Emmanuel's  Church,  Sul- 
livan County,  Tennessee,  on  Friday  before  the  third  Sunday 
in  October,  1853. 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  1 35 

Thirty -third  Session. 

This  session  assembled  in  Emmanuel's  Church,  Sulli- 
van County,  Tennessee,  on  Friday  before  the  third  Sunday 
of  October,  1853. 

Revs.  Ambrose  Henkel  was  chosen  president,  J.  R. 
Peterson,  secretary,  and  J.  Stirewalt,  treasurer. 

The  usual  business  was  transacted. 

The  committee,  Revs.  J.  Stirewalt,  J.  M.  Wagner,  A. 
J.  Brown,  and  Ambrose  Henkel,  to  whom  were  referred  the 
resolutions  of  the  Pennsylvania  Synod,  in  reference  to  union 
with  the  General  Synod,  together  with  the  accompanying 
letter  of  the  committee  appointed  to  transmit  them  to  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  suggesting  to  our 
Synod  the  propriety  of  uniting  with  them,  in  the  "General 
Synod  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  of  the  United 
States,"  examined  the  said  papers  carefully,  and  respect- 
fully submitted  the  following : 

Whereas,  we  regard  the  Unaltered  Augsburg  Confes- 
sion as  the  authorized  and  universally  acknowledged  Symbol 
of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  and  consequently  the 
belief  and  acknowledgment  of  it,  in  its  entireness,  as  essen- 
tial to  the  existence  of  Lutheranism  in  its  integrity;  and 
whereas  we  profess,  in  our  Synodical  Constitution,  to  be- 
lieve the  doctrines  of  the  Christian  system,  as  exhibited  in 
this  Symbol,  and  have  pledged  ourselves  to  teach  according 
to  it;  and,  whereas  the  doctrinal  position  of  the  General 
Synod,  as  we  understand  it,  is  only  a  qualified  acknowledg- 
ment of  the  Augsburg  Confession,  as  we  think  is  evident : 

a)  From  the  Constitution  of  this  body,  in  which  there 
is  no  clause  binding  its  members  to  teach  according  to  the 
Unaltered  Augsburg  Confession,  and  not  even  a  distinct 
mention  of  this  instrument. 

b)  From  the  Constitution  recommended  by  the  General 
Synod  to  the  District  Synods  connected  with  it. 

c)  From  the  form  of  oath  required  of  Professors  in  its 
Theological  Seminary,  when  inducted  into  office. 


136  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

d)  From  the  construction  placed  upon  its  Constitution 
by  the  framer  of  that  instrument,  and  other  prominent  mem- 
bers of  it. 

e)  From  the  various  publications  made  by  distinguished 
members  of  the  General  Synod,  in  which  distinctive  doc- 
trines of  our  Church  Confessions  are  openly  assailed,  and 
for  doing  which,  they  have  never  been  called  to  account. 
Be  it  therefore 

Resolved  1.  That  we  cannot,  under  existing  circum- 
stances, take  any  steps  towards  a  union  with  the  General 
Synod. 

Resolved  2.  That  we  duly  appreciate  the  motives  which 
prompted  the  Pennsylvania  Synod  to  invite  us  to  unite  with 
them  in  the  General  Synod,  and  shall  ever  be  thankful  to 
this  body  for  any  advice  which  it  may  see  proper  to  give, 
or  any  suggestions  which  it  may  make  to  us,  and  will 
calmly  and  prayerfully  consider  them,  but  at  all  times  act 
according  to  the  dictates  of  our  own  judgment. 

Resolved  3.  That  we  have  witnessed,  with  heartfelt 
gratitude  to  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  the  revival  of 
increased  attachment  to  our  excellent  doctrinal  standards, 
and  particularly  the  Unaltered  Augsburg  Confession,  and 
the  open  and  decided  stand  taken  in  favor  and  support  of 
them  by  distinguished  sons  of  the  Church,  and  even  by 
prominent  members  of  the  General  Synod. 

Resolved  4.  That  we  are  encouraged  to  hope  that  the 
time  may  yet  come,  when  all  in  this  country,  professing 
Lutheranism,  and  having  departed  from  the  doctrines  of  the 
Church,  will  return  to  her  confessional  standards,  and  that 
we  will  continue  to  labor  and  pray  with  increased  energy 
and  faith  and  zeal,  for  the  accomplishment  of  this  great 
and  desirable  object. 

Resolved  5.  That  our  Secretary  send  a  copy  of  these 
resolutions  to  the  Pennsylvania  Synod. 

Relative  to  the  petitions  from  Illinois,  Indiana,  Mis- 
souri, and  Arkansas,  it  was  Resolved,  That,  inasmuch  as 
Rev.  J.   B.   Emmert  has  it  in  contemplation  to  perform  a 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  1 37 

visit  to  the  West,  and  Rev.  J.  K.  Haneher  has  conditionally 
promised  to  visit  some  of  the  petitioners,  these  brethren  be 
requested  to  give  them  proper  attention. 

In  the  report  of  the  committee  on  letters  we  notice  the 
following  : 

No.  10  is  a  letter  from  Rev.  A.  Biewend,  a  member  of 
the  Missouri  Synod,  in  which  he  informs  us  that  he  was 
appointed  a  delegate  to  this  body,  but  that,  owing  to  inter- 
vening circumstances,  he  was  prevented  attending.  He 
also  expresses  the  hope  and  desire  that  a  more  intimate 
acquaintance  may  be  formed  between  these  two  bodies. 

Your  committee  would  recommend  the  following  for 
adoption  : 

Resolved  1 .  That  we  duly  appreciate  the  kind  regard  of 
the  Missouri  Synod,  and  that  we  also  desire  a  more  intimate 
acquaintance  with  them,  and  that  we  appoint  Rev.  J.  R. 
Moser  a  delegate  to  the  next  session  of  that  Synod. 

2.  In  reference  to  all  papers  addressed  to  this  Synod, 
relative  to  the  establishment  of  a  Literary  Institution  within 
the  bounds  and  under  the  patronage  of  this  Synod,  we 
recommend  the  following : 

Whereas,  this  subject  was,  by  the  last  session  of  Synod, 
referred  to  a  convention,  to  be  held  for  the  purpose  of 
considering  the  propriety  and  practicability  of  such  a  move,, 
be  it,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  subject  requires  no  further  action 
from  this  body,  and  that  the  committee  appointed  to  devise 
a  plan  for  the  establishment  of  a  Literary  Institution,  and 
to  prepare  a  Constitution  for  its  government,  be  discharged. 

After  the  usual  examination,  Deacons  James  Fleenor 
and  J.  B.  Emmert  were  ordained  as  pastors. 

The  Parochial  Report  shows  75  congregations,  5,049 
communicants,  782  infants,  78  adults,  and  16  slaves  bap- 
tized, and  588  confirmed. 

St.  Peter's  (Piny  Woods)  Church,  Lexington  District, 
South  Carolina,  was  agreed  upon  as  the  place,  and  Saturday 


138  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

before  the  first  Sunday  in  November,  1854,  as  the  time  for 
the  next  meeting. 

The  following  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of  the  Tennes- 
see S3Tnod  is  of  interest  to  the  Church  : 

"As  Secretary  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee 
Synod,  for  the  last  Synodical  year,  I  have  received  the  fol- 
lowing communications  for  the  Synod,  since  the  adjournment 
of  its  last  session. 

1.  A  letter  from  Rev.  R.  A.  Fink,  Secretary  of  the 
'Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod  of  Virginia,'  communicating 
certain  resolutions  of  rescission,  passed  by  that  body,  in 
reference  to  the  Tennessee  Synod,  which  I  give  entire, 
together  with  the  preamble. 

'  Whereas,  it  is  desirable  for  the  good  of  our  Lutheran 
Zion,  and  the  cause  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  unit)' 
and  fraternal  love  should  characterize  all  our  relations  as 
Lutherans — therefore, 

'  Resolved,  That  the  resolutions  of  this  Synod,  passed 
at  its  meeting  in  1838  and  1839,  in  regard  to  the  Tennessee 
Synod,  and  contained  on  the  Minutes  of  our  Synod,  are 
hereby  rescinded. 

'  Resolved,  further,  That,  as  far  as  possible,  we  will 
seek  to  cultivate  fraternal  relations  with  our  brethren  of  the 
Tennessee  Synod,  and  that  a  delegate  be  appointed  to  said 
body  to  represent  this  Synod  in  its  next  annual  convention 
in  1854. 

'Resolved,  That  our  Secretary  be  instructed  to  for- 
ward a  copy  of  these  resolutions  to  the  said  Tennessee 
Synod.' 

2.  A  letter  from  Rev.  Messrs.  Theo.  Brohm  and  A. 
Hoyer,  who  had  been  appointed  delegates  from  'The 
German  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod  of  Missouri,  Ohio, 
and  other  States,'  to  the  recent  session  of  our  Synod.  As 
the  letter  is  both  interesting  and  encouraging,  I  give  it 
in  full. 


lutheran  tennessee  synod.  1 39 

New  York  and  Philadelphia, 
October  6,  1853. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Brethren  : — 

Animated  by  an  ardent  desire  to 
cherish  the  unity  in  spirit  with  all  true  Lutherans  wherever, 
the  German  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod  of  Missouri,  Ohio, 
and  other  States,  at  her  last  annual  meeting  at  Cleveland, 
Ohio,  had  appointed  the  undersigned  as  delegates  to  attend 
your  synodical  meeting  and  to  deliver  her  fraternal  greet- 
ings. But  after  having  learned  the  place  where  your  Synod 
is  to  meet  this  year,  we  regret  to  be  precluded,  by  the  great 
distance,  and  other  local  difficulties,  from  the  great  pleasure 
of  carrying  out  our  commission,  both  honorable  and  agreea- 
ble to  us,  as  a  greater  sacrifice  of  time  would  be  required 
than  we  can  properly  answer  for  to  our  respective  congre- 
gations. 

In  order  to  compensate  this  want  of  personal  attend- 
ance, we  take  the  liberty,  with  consent  of  our  president,  to 
address  your  reverend  body  by  these  few  lines,  assuring  you 
of  our  fraternal  love  and  sympathy,  founded  upon  the  con- 
viction, that  it  is  one  and  the  same  faith  which  dwells  in 
you  and  in  us.  We  are  highly  rejoiced  in  this  vast  desert 
and  wilderness,  to  meet  a  whole  Lutheran  Synod  steadfastly 
holding  to  the  precious  Confessions  of  our  beloved  church, 
and  zealously  engaged  in  divulging  the  unaltered  doctrines 
and  principles  of  the  Reformation  among  the  English  portion 
of  Lutherans,  by  translating  the  standard  writings  of  our 
Fathers,  at  the  same  time  firmly  resisting  the  allurements 
of  those  who  say  they  are  Lutherans,  and  are  not. 

Our  synod  extends,  through  our  instrumentality,  the 
hand  of  fraternity  to  you,  not  fearing  to  be  refused,  and 
ardently  desires,  however  separated  from  you  by  different 
language  and  local  interests,  to  co-operate  with  you,  hand 
in  hand,  in  rebuilding  the  walls  of  our  dilapidated  Zion. 

We  are  authorized  to  beseech  your  venerable  Synod,  to 
delegate  as  many  of  your  members  as  you  may  deem  proper, 
to  our  synodical  meeting,  to  be  held  next  year  at  St.  Louis, 


140  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

promising  hereby  a  friendly  and  hospitable  reception. — 
Should  your  Synod  next  year  assemble  at  a  place  easier 
accessible,  and  more  convenient  to  us,  we,  or  they  whom 
our  synod  ma}-  appoint,  shall  not  fail  to  attend. 

Praying  that  the  Lord  may  vouchsafe  to  replenish  your 
reverend  body  with  the  spirit  of  truth,  wisdom,  zeal,  love, 
and  peace,  and  bless  your  deliberations  for  the  glorification 
of  His  holy  name,  we  remain,  dear  brethren,  with  sincere 
respect  and  love,  your  co-laborers  in  the  vineyard  of  the 
Lord. 

THEO.   BROHM, 

A.    HOYER,   of  Philadelphia. 

3.  A  copy  of  the  Minutes  of  the  German  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Synod  of  Missouri,  Ohio,  and  other  States,  for 
1853.  A.  J.  BROWN. 

November  3,  1853." 

Thirty-fourth  Session. 

Synod  assembled  in  St.  Peter's  (Piny  Woods)  Church, 
Lexington  District,  South  Carolina,  on  Saturday  before  the 
first  Sunday  in  November,  1854. 

The  election  for  officers  resulted  in  favor  of  Rev.  A.  J. 
Brown,  president;  Rev.  J.  R.  Peterson,  secretary;  and  Rev. 
J.  M.  Wagner,  treasurer. 

The  usual  business  received  proper  attention. 

On  regular  application,  Salem  Church,  Alexander 
County,  North  Carolina,  and  Emmanuel  Church,  Lexington 
District,  South  Carolina,  were  received  into  Synod. 

On  learning  that  the  Virginia  Synod  had  rescinded  the 
resolutions  it  had  passed  against  this  Synod  in  1838  and 
1839,  it  was  resolved,  that  Synod  rejoices  to  learn  that  the 
Virginia  Synod  has  at  length  done  our  Synod  the  justice 
to  rescind  its  former  obnoxious  resolutions  ;  and  that,  in 
view  of  this  fact,  we  will  endeavor  to  cultivate  a  feeling  of 
fraternal   regard  for  the   Virginia  Synod. 

Rev.  Theodore  Brohm,  of  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  Ohio, 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  14I 

and  other  States,  was  introduced  to  Synod,  and  received  as 
a  corresponding  member  by  this  body.  Rev.  G.  Dreher 
and  Michael  Rauch,  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  were  received 
as  advisory  members. 

The  Rev,  Theodore  Brohm,  of  the  Missouri  Synod, 
being  present,  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions  were 
unanimously  adopted  : 

Whereas,  the  Rev.  Theodore  Brohm,  of  the  city  of 
New  York,  delegate  of  the  Synod  of  Missouri,  Ohio,  and 
other  States,  has  appeared  amongst  us,  and  we  are  assured 
from  personal  interviews  with  him,  as  well  as  from  other 
sources  of  information,  that  the  Synod  which  he  represents 
adheres  strictly  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church,  as  exhibited  in  her  confessional  standards,  and  are 
zealously  and  actively  engaged  in  promoting  the  interests 
of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  ;  be  it,  therefore, 

Resolved  1.  That  we  are  highly  gratified  to  see  brother 
Brohm  in  our  midst. 

Resolved  2.  That  we  fully  and  cheerfully  reciprocate 
the  kind  and  fraternal  feelings  expressed  and  manifested 
towards  us  by  the  Missouri  Synod. 

Resolved  3.  That  we  will  endeavor  to  cultivate  a  more 
intimate  acquaintance  and  a  closer  union  with  the  Missouri 
Synod. 

Resolved  4.  That,  for  this  purpose,  Rev.  Socrates  Hen- 
kel  be  appointed  a  delegate  from  this  body  to  the  Eastern 
division  of  the  Missouri  Synod,  to  be  held  in  Baltimore ; 
and  that  Rev.  J.  R.  Moser  be  appointed  our  delegate  to  the 
Western  division  of  said  Synod,  at  its  next  session. 

Mr.  Julius  L-  Stirewalt  having  been  ordained  to  the 
office  of  Deacon  by  Revs.  A,  Henkel  and  H.  Wetzel,  his 
name  was  ordered  to  be  inserted  in  the  clerical  roll. 

In  answer  to  petitions  from  time  to  time  addressed  to 
this  body,  it  was 

Resolved  1.  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  devise  a 
plan  for  the  division  of  this  Synod  into  district  synods,  and 
report  to  next  meeting  of  Synod. 


I42  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

Committee — Rev.  Messrs.  P.  C.  Henkel,  J.  R.  Peterson, 
A.  Henkel,  H.  Wetzel,  A.  J.  Brown,  and  Wm.  Haneher. 

Resolved  2.  That  Rev.  S.  Henkel  collect  and  preserve 
the  archives  of  this  Synod. 

According  to  the  Parochial  Report,  7*22  infants,  27 
adults,  and  15  slaves  were  baptized,  and  251  persons  were 
confirmed  during  the  year. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Emmanuel's  Church,  New 
Market,  Shenandoah  County,  Virginia,  on  Friday  before 
the  third  Sunday  in  September,  1855. 

Thirty -fifth  Session. 

This  convention  met  in  Emmanuel's  Church,  New 
Market,  Virginia,  September  14,  1855. 

Revs.  A.  J.  Brown  was  elected  president;  J.  Killian, 
secretary;  and  S.  Henkel,  treasurer. 

Besides  the  usual  transactions  of  this  meeting,  the 
following  business  deserves  notice : 

Rev.  Spielmann,  President  of  Capital  University,  Colum- 
bus, Ohio,  the  delegate  appointed  to  this  body  by  the 
Western  District  Synod  of  Ohio,  was  introduced  to  Synod, 
and  invited  to  a  seat  and  vote.  Rev.  J.  P.  Cline,  of  the 
Virginia  Synod,  was  invited  to  a  seat  as  an  advisory  member. 

Rev.  Martin  Sondhaus,  having  presented  an  honorable 
dismission  from  the  Pennsylvania  Synod  to  this  body,  was 
received  as  a  member. 

The  name  of  Rev.  Joel  Swartz,  (now  Rev.  Joel  Swartz, 
D.  D.,)  having  been  ordained  by  Rev.  Socrates  Henkel  and 
Rev.  D.  M.  Henkel,  was  ordered  to  be  enrolled  in  the  clerical 
catalogue. 

On  petition  from  the  Lima  charge,  in  Allen  County, 
Ohio,  Rev.  Paul  J.  Stirewalt  was  ordained  to  the  office  of 
Pastor. 

Phanuel's  Church,  Rockingham  County,  and  Bethlehem 
Church,  Augusta  County,  Virginia,  were  received  into 
Synod. 

For  reasons  regarded  as  sufficient,  it  was  resolved,  that 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  1 43 

the  name  of  Rev.  Joseph  W.  Hull  be  erased  from  the  clerical 
catalogue,  and  that  he  be  no  longer  regarded  as  a  minister 
of  this  Synod. 

In  answer  to  petitions  and  letters  in  reference  to  dis- 
tricting this  Synod,  Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel  offered  the  following 
preamble  and  resolution,  which  were  unanimously  adopted  : 

Inasmuch  as  the  committee,  appointed  last  year,  to  re- 
port a  plan  for  districting  the  Synod,  failed  to  report,  and 
as  there  are  letters  and  petitions  now  before  Synod,  in  refer- 
ence to  this  matter,  and  which  require  our  notice,  therefore, 
as  the  best  answer  we  can  return  for  the  present,  be  it 

Resolved,  That,  in  order  to  meet  the  inconveniences 
which  seem  to  present  themselves  for  want  of  some  annual 
meeting  of  our  clergy,  where  young  men  may  be  examined 
and  ordained,  and  also  to  give  an  opportunity  to  interchange 
views  in  reference  to  the  wants  of  the  church,  and  also  to 
give  occasion  for  united  efforts  in  preaching — we  would 
recommend  that  the  members  of  this  Synod,  who  reside  near 
enough  to  each  other  for  that  purpose,  hold  some  annual 
meeting,  according  to  their  own  appointment,  where  they 
may  transact  such  matters  as  would  not  seem  to  call  for  the 
united  iadvice  of  Synod.  This  meeting  might  be  termed  a 
Special  Conference. 

Rev.  D.  M.  Henkel  asked  for  a  letter  of  honorable  dis- 
mission, which  was  granted. 

Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel  submitted  the  following  proposition 
for  the  consideration  of  this  body : 

Inasmuch  as  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee 
Synod  has  been  instrumental  in  bringing  before  the  Lu- 
theran Church  in  the  United  States  her  fundamental  doc- 
trines, by  the  translation  of  her  Symbols  into  the  English 
language,  would  it  not,  in  order  that  her  doctrines  be 
brought  before  the  Church  more  fully,  be  advisable  that 
Luther's  Church  Postil  be  translated  into  the  English 
language  ? 

If  it  meet  the  approbation  of  Synod,  I  propose,  as  soon 


144  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

as  practicable,  to  procure  a  correct  translation  of  that  workr 
and  to  publish  it  in  two  octavo  volumes. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  report  on 
Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel's  proposition  to  this  body — "to  publish 
as  soon  as  practicable  a  correct  English  translation  of  Dr. 
Luther's  Church  Postil." 

The  President  appointed  Revs.  H.  Wetzel,  C.  Spiel- 
raann,  H.  Goodman,  and  M.  Sondhaus,  said  committee. 

The  committee,  Revs.  H.  Wetzel,  H.  Goodman,  M. 
Sonhaus,  and  C.  Spielmann,  appointed  to  report  on  Dr.  S.  G. 
Henkel's  proposition  to  publish  a  correct  English  translation 
of  Luther's  Church  Postil,  submitted  the  following  : 

We,  the  committee  appointed  to  report  on  the  proposi- 
tion of  Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel,  as  to  publishing  Dr.  Luther's 
Church  Postil  in  the  English  language,  respectfully  submit 
the  following : 

Being  fully  convinced  of  the  great  value  and  excellence 
of  Luther's  Church  Postil,  and  its  importance  to  our  minis- 
ters and  congregations,  and  being  influenced  by  a  desire 
that  this  great  work  be  made  accessible  also  to  our  English 
ministers  and  church  members,  be  it 

Resolved  i.  That  we  learn  with  joy  that  Dr.  S.  G.  Hen- 
kel contemplates  publishing  Luther's  Church  Postil  in  the 
English  language. 

Resolved  2.  That  we  will  do  all  that  we  can  to  encourage 
lind  assist  Dr.  Henkel  in  this  enterprise. 

This  report  was  received  and  adopted. 

Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel  now  addressed  the  Synod  on  the 
necessity  and  importance  of  giving  an  expression  in  regard 
to  ministerial  support.  Whereupon,  the  following  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  report  in  reference  to   this   subject. 

Committee — Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel,  John  Leonard,  and  I. 
L.  Wagner. 

The  committee,  appointed  to  report  on  the  subject  of 
Ministerial  Support,  submitted  the  following  : 

Inasmuch  as  the  ministers  of  the  Tennessee  Synod  have 
heretofore  received  from  their  congregations  a  very  inade- 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  1 45 

quate  support,  so  much  so,  that  many  of  them  have  been 
compelled  to  resort  to  some  other  employment  in  order  to 
be  sustained,  thereby,  to  a  great  extent,  destroying  their 
usefulness  in  the  ministry,  we  respectfully  submit  the  fol- 
lowing resolution  for  adoption : 

Resolved,  That  we  remind  our  church  members,  both 
as  individuals  and  congregations,  of  the  teaching  of  the 
Word  of  God  that  the  laborer  is  worthy  of  his  hire,  and  that 
we  appeal  to  them  as  to  Christians,  and  with  a  view  to  their 
own  best  interests  and  the  interests  of  their  congregations, 
and  the  perpetuity  of  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel  among 
them,  that  they  see  to  it  that  their  pastors  be  not  thus  neg- 
lected, and  left  to  struggle  amidst  pecuniary  embarrass- 
ments. We  would  also  assure  them,  unless  they  use  more 
diligence  in  this  matter,  the  time  will  come  when  they  will 
be  deprived  of,  the  services  of  the  faithful  minister  of  the 
truth,  and  they  will  be  visited  only  by  wolves  in  sheep's 
clothing. 

On  motion,  the  above  preamble  and  resolution  were 
unanimously  adopted. 

For  this  year,  the  report  shows  the  baptisms  of  513 
infants,  46  adults,  and  10  slaves,  and  the  confirmation  of 
244  persons. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Melanchthon  Church,  Ran- 
dolph County,  North  Carolina,  on  Saturday  before  the 
fourth  Sunday  in  October,  1856.  v 

Thirty- sixth  Session, 

This  meeting  convened  in  Melanchthon  Church,  Ran- 
dolph County,  North  Carolina,  October  25,  1856. 

The  officers  elected  were :  Revs.  J.  K.  Hancher,  presi- 
dent; T.   Moser,- secretary;  and  J.  M.  Wagner,  treasurer. 

Mr.  Eli  E.  Smyre  and  Mr.  Augustus  R.  Bennick  were 
received  as  students  of  theology. 

Notice  was  then  given,  that,  under  certain  conditions, 
petitions  would  be  addressed  to  the  next  meeting  of  this 
body,  for  a  dismission  of  the  ministers  and  churches  of  our 


I46  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

Synod  in  North  and  South   Carolina,   from   the  Tennessee 
Synod,  with  a  view  to  the  formation  of  a  new  synod. 

After  considerable  discussion,  on  motion,  the  subject 
of  said  notice  was  postponed  until  some  future  period  of 
this  session. 

On  petitions,  Bible's  Church  or  Chapel,  Tennessee, 
Friendship  Church,  Watauga  County,  North  Carolina,  and 
Zion  Church,  Hardy  County,  Virginia  (now  West  Virginia), 
were  received. 

Deacons  Christian  Moretz  and  A.  Fleenor  were  ordained 
to  the  pastoral  office,  and  applicant  John  M.  Smith  to  that 
of  Deacon. 

On  motion,  by  Rev.  C.  G.  Reitzel,  the  following  pre- 
amble and  resolution  were  adopted  : 

Whereas,  the  destitutions  of  our  beloved  Lutheran  Zion 
are  alarmingly  great,  and  whereas,  from  the  North  and 
South,  East  and  West,  the  Macedonian  cry  is  annually 
coming  to  us,  "Come  over  and  help  us,"  and  break  the 
bread  of  life  to  us  and  our  children.  And  whereas,  we 
believe  that  it  is  the  Christian's  duty  to  make  provision  for 
his  destitute  and  perishing  brethren,  be  it,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  body  earnestly  recommend  the  con- 
gregations connected  with  this  Synod,  to  establish  congre- 
gational treasuries,  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  domestic 
missionaries,  and  young  men  of  hopeful  piety  and  promising 
talents,  who  are  laboring  to  qualify  themselves  for  the  work 
of  the  Gospel  Ministry  in  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  as  a 
means  of  encouragement  and  comfort  to  our  destitute  breth- 
ren, report  the  result  of  such  efforts,  annually,  to  Synod. 

In  answer  to  petitions  praying  for  a  division  of  this 
body,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  it  be  made  the  duty  of  the  ministers  of 
this  body,  to  take  the  vote  of  their  respective  congregations, 
with  a  view  to  ascertain  their  wishes  upon  this  subject,  and 
report  the  result  to  the  next  session  of  Synod ;  our  brethren 
present  from  Virginia  concurring,   and  willing   to  form  a 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  1 47 

separate  organization  in  their  State,  provided  the  vote  should 
result  in  favor  of  such  organization. 

The  following  brethren  were  appointed  delegates  to 
sister  synods : 

Rev.  M.  Sondhaus,  to  Joint  Synod  of  Ohio;  Rev.  J. 
Stirewalt,  Northern  District  Synod  of  Ohio;  Rev.  J.  M. 
Wagner,  Western  District  Synod  of  Ohio  ;  Rev.  J.  R.  Moser, 
Missouri  Synod  ;  Rev.  J.  Killian,  Pennsylvania  Synod;  Rev. 
H.  Wetzel,  Eastern  District  Synod  of  Missouri. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Solomon's  Church,  Green 
County,  Tennessee,  September  26,  1857. 

During  this  year,  as  reported,  there  were  741  infants, 
57  adults,  and  24  slaves  baptized,  and  752  confirmed. 

Thirty- seventh  Session. 

Synod  assembled  in  Solomon's  Church,  Green  County, 
Tennessee,  September  26,  1857. 

Revs.  A.  J.  Fox  was  elected  president ;  J.  M.  Wagner, 
secretary;  and  H.  Goodman,  treasurer. 

In  regard  to  a  division  of  the  Synod,  it  was  resolved, 
that,  under  existing  circumstances,  it  is  deemed  inexpedient 
at  this  time. 

Messrs.  M.  J.  Stirewalt,  Dr.  H.  H.  Maxwell,  J.  C. 
Barb,  and  J.  Cloninger  made  application  to  be  received 
under  the  care  of  Synod  as  students  of  theology.  Rev.  H. 
Wetzel  then  offered  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions, 
which  were  adopted  : 

Whereas,  it  has  been  customary  in  this  Synod,  when 
applied  to,  to  receive  under  her  care,  as  students  of  theology, 
young  men ;  and  whereas,  we  wish  to  make  this  as  benefi- 
cial to  them  and  as  safe  to  ourselves  as  possible,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  young  men  making  application  to  be 
received  under  the  care  of  this  Synod,  as  students  of  theolo- 
gy, be  examined  as  to  the  motives  by  which  they  are 
prompted  in  seeking  their  way  into  the  ministry;  and  the 
extent  to  which  they  are  willing  to  qualify  themselves  for 
this  high  and  holy  calling. 


148  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

Resolved,  That,  if  any  young  man  of  good  report,  suit- 
able talents,  and  a  willingness  to  qualify  himself  suitably 
for  the  ministry,  make  application  as  above,  but  has  not 
the  means  to  qualify  himself,  we  then  exert  ourselves  to 
secure  to  him  the  needed  assistance. 

Resolved,  That  the  examination  be  conducted  by  a 
committee  of  three  ministers  and  four  laymen,  and  that  they 
report  to  Synod.  Whereupon  the  following  committee  was 
appointed,  viz.:  A.J.  Brown,  H.  Wetzel,  A.  J.  Fox,  and 
Messrs.  Jacob  Keicher,  John  Moser,  Jacob  Stephens,  and 
Ambrose  Costner. 

We,  the  committee,  who  were  to  hold  a  Colloquium 
with  Messrs.  Maxwell,  Cloninger,  Barb,  and  Stirewalt  who 
made  application  to  be  taken  under  the  care  of  Synod  as 
students  of  theology,  have  attended  to  that  duty;  and  would 
report  that  we  were  pleased  with  the  young  gentlemen,  and 
recommend  that  they  be  received  as  students  of  theology. 
We  were  gratified  to  learn  that  Messrs.  Barb  and  Stirewalt 
have  made  respectable  progress  in  literature,  the  latter 
having  made,  in  addition  to  the  Sciences  and  Mathematics, 
considerable  progress  in  the  languages ;  and  that  they  be 
advised  to  prosecute  their  literary  studies  still  further.  We 
recommend  that  Mr.  Maxwell  prosecute  his  theological 
studies  under  the  care  of  some  of  our  older  ministers. 

Report  received  and  adopted.     It  was  then 

Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Stirewalt,  Barb,  Maxwell,  and 
Cloninger,  be  received  under  the  care  of  Synod  as  students 
of  theology. 

The  Committee  on  Minutes  reported  that  the  Northern 
General  Synod,  at  its  session  in  1857,  rescinded  the  resolu- 
tion it  passed  at  its  session  in  1839,  against  this  Synod. 

The  following  committee  was  appointed  to  revise  the 
Liturgy  of  Synod:  Revs.  S.  Heukel,  J.  Killian,  A.  Henkel, 
A.  J.  Brown,  J.  M.  Wagner,  J.  K.  Hancher,  J.  R.  Peterson, 
and  Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel.  Upon  motion,  the  President^Rev. 
A.  J.  Fox,  was  added  to  the  committee. 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  149 

New  Jerusalem  Church,  Davidson  County,  North  Caro- 
lina, was  taken  into  connection  with  this  Synod. 

The  rules  and  regulations,  prepared  by  Rev.  H.  Wetzel, 
were  appended  to  the  Minutes  of  this  session  of  Synod.  It 
was 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  Synod  furnish  Rev.  Joel 
Swartz  with  a  letter  of  honorable  dismission  from  this  Synod, 
with  a  view  of  joining  one  of  the  District  Synods  of  Ohio. 

The  following  brethren  were  appointed  delegates  to 
sister  synods :  Rev.  H.  Goodman,  to  the  Eastern  District 
Synod  of  Ohio;  Rev.  J.  Stirewalt,  Joint  Synod  of  Ohio ; 
Rev.  J.  K.  Hancher,  Western  District  Synod  of  Ohio  ;  Rev. 
A.  J.  Brown,  Pennsylvania  Synod;  Rev.  J.  R.  Moser, 
Missouri  Synod. 

Deacons  J.  E.  Seneker  and  J.  A.  Seneker  were  ordained 
to  the  office  of  Pastor. 

The  Parochial  Report  shows  677  infant  baptisms,  41 
adult,  and  21  slave,  and  219  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Zion's  Church,  Lexington 
District,  South  Carolina,  on  Friday  before  the  third  Sunday 
in  October,  1858. 

Thirty -eighth  Session. 

This  convention  met  in  Zion's  Church,  Lexington 
District,  South  Carolina,  October  15,  1858. 

In  the  clerical  catalogue  of  this  meeting  appear  the 
names  of  Rev.  George  Schmucker  and  Rev.  John  H.  Hun  ton. 
It  seems  the  latter  was  ordained  during  a  meeting  of  the 
Special  Virginia  Conference  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Tennessee  Synod,  and  the  former  was  received  into  said 
Conference  at  the  same  time,  and  their  names  ordered  to  be 
enrolled  in  the  clerical  catalogue  of  the  Synod. 

The  election  of  officers  resulted  in  favor  of  Rev.  J. 
Killian,  president;  Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel,  secretary;  and  Rev. 
J.  M.  Wagner,  treasurer. 

Rev.  Samuel  Rothrock,  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod, 
and  Revs.  Prof.  W.    Berley  and  N.  Aldrich,    of  the  South 


150  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

Carolina  Synod,  were  received  as  advisory  members,  and 
Rev.  Godfrey  Dreher. 

Whereas,  there  are  petitions  before  this  Synod  praying 
for  a  revision  of  the  constitution  of  this  Synod,  and  whereas 
objections  have  been  laid  to  this  instrument  before  this 
meeting,  be  it  therefore 

Resolved,  That  a  convention,  to  be  composed  of  all  the 
clerical  members  of  this  body,  with  a  lay-delegate  from 
each  congregation,  be  convened  at  Mt.  Moriah  Church, 
Rowan  County,  North  Carolina,  on  Friday  previous  to  the 
second  Sunday  in  February,  1859,  for  the  purpose  of  taking 
into  consideration  the  propriety  of  amending  or  revising 
our  present  Synodical  Constitution  ;  and,  that  if  said  con- 
vention can  agree  upon  such  revision  or  amendment,  that 
then  their  action  be  carried  by  the  different  ministers  to 
their  respective  churches,  and  that  the  same  be  placed  be- 
fore them  ;  and  that^  said  congregations  send  up  their  views 
thereupon  to  this  session  of  Synod,  to  be  held  in  the  year 
\         1859,  for  her  action  on  the  same. 

The  committee,  appointed  at  the  previous  session  on 
the  revision  of  the  Liturgy,  having  been  relieved,  Revs.  A. 
Henkel,  H.  Wetzel,  and  S.  Henkel  were  appointed  to  revise 
said  Liturgy  : 

The  following  ministers  were  appointed  delegates  to 
sister  synods  :  Rev.  J.  Killian,  to  the  Joint  Synod  of  Ohio  ; 
Rev.  H.  Wetzel,  to  the  Eastern  District  Synod  of  Missouri ; 
Rev.  J.  R.  Moser,  to  the  Western  District  Synod  of  Missouri; 
Rev.  H.  Goodman,  to  the  Eastern  District  Synod  of  Ohio. 
Rev.  H.  Wetzel  was  appointed  to  preach  the  opening  sermon 
at  the  next  session  of  our  Synod,  on  the  subject  of  Pastoral 
Duty.     Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel  was  appointed  his  alternate. 

There  were,  according  to  the  report,  640  infants,  56 
adults,  and  29  slaves  baptized,  and  453  persons  confirmed. 

Deacon  John  M.  Smith  was  ordained  Pastor,  and  M.  J. 
Stirewalt,  Deacon. 

Rev.  J.  L,.  Stirewalt  was  granted  a  letter  of  honorable 
dismissal. 


\ 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  15 1 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Bethlehem  Church,  Au- 
gusta County,  Virginia,  on  Saturday  before  the  second 
Sunday  in  September,  1859. 

Thirty-ninth  Session. 

Saturday,  September  10,  1859,  Synod  assembled  in 
Bethlehem  Church,  Augusta  County,  Virginia. 

Rev.  A.  Efird  was  elected  president ;  Rev.  S.  Henkel, 
secretary  ;  and  Rev.  J.  Stirewalt,  treasurer. 

Rev.  C.  Beard,  of  the  Virginia  Synod,  was  invited  to  a 
seat  as  an  advisory  member. 

With  respect  to  the  revision  of  the  Constitution,  the 
following  action  was  taken  : 

Whereas,  the  revision  of  the  Constitution  of  this  Synod, 
a  matter  of  no  little  importance  to  the  future  prosperity  of 
the  congregations,  in  its  connection,  should  receive  mature 
consideration ;  and,  whereas,  it  appears  from  letters  ad- 
dressed to  this  meeting  of  Synod,  that  the  arrangement  of 
the  revision  proposed  by  the  convention  appointed  at  the 
last  session  of  Synod,  is  not  satisfactory,  be  it,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed,  consisting  of 
members  of  this  session,  present  from  the  different  sections 
of  the  Synod,  to  whom  shall  be  referred  all  the  papers  ad- 
dressed to  this  meeting,  bearing  upon  the  subject ;  and  that 
it  be  made  the  duty  of  said  committee  to  examine  the  re- 
vision prepared  by  the  convention,  to  make  such  arrange- 
ment of  its  parts  as  may  be  deemed  proper,  to  make  such 
suggestions  as  may  be  considered  necessary  and  suitable, 
and  to  report  to  this  meeting. 

On  motion,  a  committee  was  appointed  in  accordance 
with  the  resolution,  consisting  of  the  following  members  of 
Synod :  Revs.  A.  Efird,  H.  Goodman,  H.  Wetzel,  J.  Killian, 
J.  Stirewalt,  J.  R.  Peterson,  M.  J.  Stirewalt,  J.  C.  Barb,  S. 
Henkel,  Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel,  and  A.  Koiner,  Esq. 

The  report  of  this  committee  was  received  and  adopted, 
and  the  revision  of  the  Constitution,  as  amended  by  this 
committee,  was  taken  up,   and  read  section  by  section,  and 


152  HISTORY   OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

article  by  article,  and  after  several  slight  amendments,  it 
was  adopted  section  by  section  and  article  by  article.  It 
was  then 

Resolved,  That  the  revision,  as  amended,  be  appended 
to  the  Minutes  of  this  meeting,  and  that  it  be  made  the 
duty  of  all  the  ministers  in  connection  with  this  Synod  to 
lay  the  same  before  their  respective  congregations  for  their 
acceptance  or  rejection,  and  report  the  result  of  the  action 
of  the  congregations  to  the  next  meeting  of  this  Synod,  that 
final  action  may  be  taken. 

Revs.  J.  R.  Peterson,  A.  J.  Fox,  P.  C.  Henkel,  A. 
Efird,  J.  Killian,  A.  J.  Brown,  and  J.  M.  Wagner,  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  draft  by-laws  and  rules  of  order 
for  this  Synod,  and  report  them  for  adoption  at  its  next 
convention. 

'  On  motion,  by  A.  Koiner,  Esq.,  the  following  preamble 
and  resolution  were  passed  : 

Whereas,  Synod  has  heard  with  deep  regret  the  inade- 
quacy of  the  support  of  our  ministers,  and  the  destitution 
of  some  of  our  congregations  ;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  each  minister  of  this  Synod  is  hereby 
requested  to  preach,  at  least  one  sermon  to  each  of  his  con- 
gregations, during  the  ensuing  synodical  year,  on  the  duty 
of  the  congregations  to  give  their  ministers  an  adequate 
support,  and  also  one  sermon  urging  the  claims  of  our  desti- 
tute congregations,  and  the  necessity  of  encouraging  young 
men  to  engage  in  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

A  letter  of  honorable  dismission  was  granted  Rev.  M. 
Sondhaus. 

Deacon  Miles  J.  Stirewalt  was  ordained  to  the  office  of 
Pastor. 

Q.  S.  Stirewalt  and  John  S.  Bennick  were  received  as 
students  of  theology. 

During  this  synodical  year,  669  infants,  38  adults,  and 
65  slaves  were  baptized,  and  280  persons  were  confirmed. 

The  time  for  the  next  meeting  was  Saturday  before  the 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  1 53 

third  Sunday  of  October,  i860,   and  the  place,    St.   John's 
Church,  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina. 

Fortieth  Session. 

Synod  assembled  in  St.  John's  Church,  Catawba  County, 
North  Carolina,  on  Saturday  before  the  third  Sunday  of 
October,  i860. 

The  officers  of  this  session  were:  Revs.  A.  J.  Fox, 
president;  J.  R.  Peterson,  secretary;  and  J.  M.  Smith, 
treasurer. 

On  application,  Bethphage  Church,  Lincoln  County, 
North  Carolina,  was  received  into  Synod. 

The  following  ministers,  belonging  to  the  Synod  and 
residing  in  the  State  of  Tennessee,  viz.:  A.  J.  Brown,  J.  K. 
Hancher,  J.  C.  Barb,  J.  M.  Shaffer, ,  J.  Cloninger,  James 
Fleenor,  and  J.  B.  Emmert,  with  the  congregations  under 
their  charge,  laid  petitions  before  this  meeting,  for  an 
honorable  dismission  from  this  body  for  the  purpose  of 
forming  a  new  synod  in  East  Tennessee. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  petitions  of  congrega- 
tions praying  for  dismission,  setting  forth  the  reasons  by 
which  they  are  influenced  and  the  principles  by  which  they 
intend  to  be  guided  : 

To  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  to  be  con- 
vened in  St.  John'' s  Church,  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina, 
071  Saturday  bejore  the  third  Sitnday  in  October,  i860  : 

Dear  Brethren  : — We,  the  members  of  Buehler's 
Church,  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee,  respectfully  ask  your 
reverend  body  to  grant  us  an  honorable  dismission  from  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  for  the  purpose  of 
uniting  with  a  new  Lutheran  synod  to  be  formed  in  Ten- 
nessee. 

■  We  have  not  taken  this  step  hastily  and  rashly,  but 
after  long  and  prayerful  reflection.  We  are  satisfied  that  if 
a  new  synod  be  formed  in  this  State  with  proper  views  and 
feelings,  upon  the  right  basis,  it  will  greatly  conduce  to  the 


154  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

interest  of  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom  in  this  section  of  His 
Moral  Vineyard.  In  taking  this  important  step,  it  is  proper 
and  due  as  an  act  of  respect  to  the  parent  Synod,  that  we 
should  briefly  set  forth  the  considerations  by  which  we  have 
been  influenced. 

i .  Our  Synod  is  scattered  over  so  wide  an  extent  of 
territory  as  to  render  it  at  all  limes,  when  our  Synod  meets 
in  another  State,  very  inconvenient  and  expensive  for  our 
ministers  and  delegates  to  attend  its  annual  meetings  ;  and, 
in  some  instances,  utterly  impracticable,  without  neglecting 
our  domestic  and  private  business. 

2.  The  present  arrangement  in  regard  to  the  places  at 
which  Synod  shall  convene  from  time  to  time,  is  such  that 
we  cannot  have  a  meeting  of  it  in  our  own  State  more  than 
once  in  four  years,  thus  depriving  our  congregations  for 
three  successive  years  of  whatever  advantages  ma5r  result 
from  a  meeting  of  the  Synod  in  our  midst. 

3.  As  our  Synod  is  at  present  organized,  or  is  likely  to 
be  organized  under  any  constitution  that  has  been  proposed 
for  our  adoption,  we  can  transact  among  ourselves  all  the 
business  ordinarity  transacted,  as  well  as  it  can  be  trans- 
acted by  the  whole  Synod.  Our  principal  business  is  to 
examine  and  ordain  candidates  for  the  ministry;  and  this 
can  be  done  by  the  ministers  and  churches  in  any  State 
connected  with  the  Synod,  and  has  been  done  by  the  breth- 
ren in  Virginia  for  several  years,  and  by  us  in  Tennessee 
on  one  occasion,  at  our  recent  conference  meeting. 

4.  The  wide  extent  of  territory  over  which  we  are  scat- 
tered, and  the  great  difficulty,  if  not  the  impossibility,  of 
having  all  the  different  sections  of  the  Church  fairly  and 
fully  represented  in  our  synodical  meetings,  renders  it  a 
slow  process  to  bring  to  an  issue  any  important  measure  in 
which  Synod  may  engage.  Of  this  we  have  an  illustration 
in  the  attempts  which  have  been  made  to  revise  our  Synod- 
ical Constitution. 

These,  dear  brethren,  are  some  of  the  leading  consider- 
ations which  have  influenced  us  to  the  pursuance  of  our 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  1 55 

present  course.  Others  might  be  stated,  but  we  deem  it 
unnecessary.  It  may  be  proper  to  add,  that  we  are  by  no 
means  disaffected  towards  our  brethren  with  whom  we  have 
been  so  long  and  pleasantly  connected,  with  whom  we  have 
so  often  met  and  taken  sweet  counsel,  and  contended  for 
the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints,  and  which  is  so  clearly 
set  forth  in  our  venerable  Augsburg  Confession.  Nor  do 
we,  in  the  formation  of  a  new  Synod,  contemplate  any 
change  in  the  doctrinal  basis  upon  which  our  Synod  was 
organized,  nearly  half  a  century  ago,  and  upon  which  she 
has  ever  since  uniformly  and  firmly  stood.  Under  this 
banner  our  Synod  has  already  achieved  many  a  signal  and 
glorious  victory,  and  under  this  she  is  destined  still  to  be 
victorious.  With  this  we  are  satisfied,  and  upon  this  we 
intend  still  to  stand. 

In  view  of  the  considerations  above  stated,  we  flatter 
ourselves  you  will  grant  us  an  honorable  dismission  from 
your  venerable  body. 

May  the  unerring  spirit  of  God  guide  you  in  all  your 
deliberations,  so  that  they  may  redound  to  the  glory  of  God 
and  to  the  advancement  of  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom. 

In  answer  to  the  above  petitions,  the  following  pream- 
ble and  resolution  were  adopted  by  Synod  : 

Whereas,  our  ministerial  brethren  in  the  State  of  Ten- 
nessee,— A.  J.  Brown,  J.  K.  Hancher,  J.  C.  Barb,  J.  M. 
Shaffer,  J.  Cloninger,  J.  Fleenor,  and  J.  B.  Emmert,  with 
their  congregations,  have  asked  an  honorable  dismission 
from  this  body,  with  a  view  to  the  formation  of  a  new  synod 
in  their  own  State,  and  whereas  they  give  us  the  assurance, 
that,  in  taking  this  step,  they  have  no  other  object  in  view 
than  the  welfare  of  our  beloved  Lutheran  Zion,  and  the 
more  extensive  dissemination  of  the  time-honored  and 
heaven-blessed  doctrines  of  our  Church  ;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  whilst  we  are  sincerely  sorry  to  sever 
the  ties  which  have  bound  them  to  us  as  a  part  of  our 
Synod,  we  feel  it  to  be  our  duty  to  grant  their  request,  with 


156  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

the  fervent  prayer,  that  the  smiles  and  rich  blessings  of  the 
Great  Head  of  the  Church  may  rest  upon  them,  and  that 
all  their  efforts  to  extend  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom,  may  be 
crowned  with  abundant  success. 

These  ministers  and  congregations  organized  the  synod, 
styled  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Holston  Synod  of  Ten- 
nessee. 

The  committee,  Revs.  J.  Killian,  A.  Efird,  and  S. 
Henkel,  on  revision  of  the  Constitution,  reported  as  follows : 

We,  the  committee,  appointed  to  report  on  the  subject 
of  the  Revised  Constitution,  respectfully  submit  the  fol- 
lowing : 

Upon  examination  of  the  papers  coming  from  congre- 
gations and  individuals  in  connection  with  our  Synod,  and 
of  the  statements  of  the  result  of  the  vote  taken  in  the  con- 
gregations, in  regard  to  the  Revised  Constitution,  we  find 
that  some  of  them  failed  to  take  action  in  reference  to  this 
matter,  as  required  by  a  resolution  passed  at  the  last  meet- 
ing of  our  Synod  ;  and  that  the  vote,  as  far  as  presented  to 
Synod,  resulted  in  favor  of  the  revision  by  a  very  considera- 
ble majority.  But  after  careful  and  mature  consideration, 
your  committee  are  constrained  to  believe  that,  in  view  of 
the  present  aspect  of  things,  it  is  inexpedient  at  this  time 
to  take  final  action  on  the  Revised  Constitution  ;  and, 

Whereas,  it  might  leave  the  impression,  that  the  con- 
fessional basis,  as  set  forth  in  the  second  article  of  the 
Revised  Constitution,  influenced  this  action  ;  and,  whereas, 
this  might  detract  from  the  character  of  the  Synod  for 
orthodoxy,  and  be  construed  as  a  rejection  of  our  confes- 
sional basis,  your  committee  would  earnestly  recommend 
the  passage  of  the  following  resolution  :  be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  Synod  adopts  as  its  basis  the  fol- 
lowing, and  that  the  ministers  belonging  to  this  Synod 
subscribe  it: 

1.  The  Holy  Scriptures,  the  inspired  writings  of  the 
Old  and  New  Testaments,  alone,  shall  be  the  only  rule  and 
standard  of  doctrine  and  church  discipline. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  1 57 

2.  As  a  true  and  faithful  exhibition  of  the  doctrines  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures,  in  regard  to  faith  and  practice,  this 
Synod  receives  the  three  Ancient  Symbols  of  the  Church, — 
the  Apostolic,  Nicene,  and  Athanasian  Creeds, — and  the 
Unaltered  Augsburg  Confession  of  Faith.  It  receives  also 
the  other  Symbolical  Books  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church,  (namely,  the  Apology,  the  Smalcald  Articles,  the 
Small  and  Large  Catechisms  of  Luther,  and  the  Formula  of 
Concord)  as  a  true  and  Scriptural  declaration  of  the  doc- 
trines taught  in  the  said  Augsburg  Confession. 

The  report  was  adopted. 

A  committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  Messrs.  A.  J.  Fox,  J. 
M.  Smith,  and  T.  Moser,  was  appointed  to  examine  and 
ordain  brother  E.  E.  Smyre,  at  Phanuel's  Church,  Rowan 
County,  North  Carolina. 

The  committee,  appointed  at  the  last  Synod  to  prepare 
a  Code  of  By-Laws  and  Rules  of  Order  for  Synod,  was  con- 
tinued, after  striking  off  the  names  of  Rev.  Messrs.  A.  J. 
Brown  and  J.  M.  Wagner.  •  The  committee  thus  consisted  of 
Rev.  J.  R.  Peterson,  Rev.  A.  J.  Fox,  Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel, 
Rev.  A.  Efird,  and  Rev.  J.  Killian. 

A  committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  A.  Henkel,  Rev.  S. 
Henkel,  and  Dr.  S.  G.  Henkel,  was  appointed  to  collect  all 
historical  facts  relating  to  the  confessional  basis  of  this 
Synod,  and  report  to  the  next  meeting. 

According  to  the  Parochial  Report,  649  infants,  39 
adults,  and  29  slaves  were  baptized,  and  452  persons  were 
confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  St.  John's  Church,  Lexing- 
ton District,  South  Carolina,  November  9,  1861. 

During  this  decade,  19  ministers  were  ordained,  2  re- 
ceived on  letters,  the  name  of  1  was  erased  from  the 
clerical  roll,  3,  besides  those  residing  in  Tennessee,  were 
dismissed  to  other  synods,  26  churches  were  received,  6,634 
infants  were  baptized,  445  adults,  and  244  slaves,  and  3,647 
persons  were  confirmed.  These  are  the  numbers  of  bap- 
tisms and  confirmations  shown  by  the   Parochial   Reports, 


158'  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

which  are  by  no  means  full ;  perhaps,  not  more  than  two- 
thirds  were  really  reported. 

FIFTH   DECADE. 

Forty-first    Session. 

Synod  met  in  St.  John's  Church,  Lexington  District,. 
South  Carolina,  on  Saturday  before  the  second  Sunday  in 
November,  1861. 

The  officers  elected  were :  Revs.  A.  Efird,  president ; 
J.  M.  Smith,  secretary;  and  M.  J.  Stirewalt,  treasurer. 

Revs.  J.  Moser,  Prof.  J.  P.  Smeltzer,  Prof.  J.  M. 
Schreckhise,  D.  M.  Blackwelder,  and  Smithdeal,  of  the 
South  Carolina  Synod,  were  received  as  advisory  members. 

Rev.  John  H.  Hunton  was  granted  a  dismission  to  the 
Pittsburgh  Synod. 

The  Committee  on  Rules  of  Order  reported.  The  re- 
port was  received  and  adopted,  and  ordered  to  be  appended 
to  the  Minutes. 

Messrs.  D.  E.  Fox  and  L,.  A.  Fox  were  received  as 
theological  students.     I.  Conder  was  ordained. 

A  convention,  having  been  called  to  meet  in  Salisbury, 
North  Carolina,  May,  1862,  composed  of  delegates  from  the 
Southern  Synods,  the  Synod  appointed  Revs.  A.  J.  Fox,  E. 
E.  Smyre,  of  North  Carolina,  and  Revs.  J.  Killian  and  S. 
Henkel,  of  Virginia,  to  represent  it  in  that  convention. 

The  Parochial  Report,  only  eight  ministers  reporting, 
shows  346  infant  baptisms,  44  adult,  and  18  slave,  and  358 
confirmations. 

In  regard  to  the  time  and  place  for  the  next  meeting, 
it  was 

Resolved,  That  in  consequence  of  the  political  troubles 
of  our  country,  and  as  Virginia  is  so  near  the  seat  of  war, 
and  as  we  know  not  when  our  troubles  will  end,  when 
Synod  adjourns,  it  adjourn  to  meet  in  Grace  Church,  Ca- 
tawba County,  North  Carolina,  on  Saturday  before  the  first 
Sunday  in  October,  1862. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.-  159 

Forty-second  Session. 

Synod  convened  in  Grace  Church,  Catawba  County, 
North  Carolina,  on  Saturday  before  the  first  Sunday  in 
October,  1862. 

The  following  persons  were  elected  officers  of  Synod : 
Revs.  T.  Moser,  president;  J.  M.  Stirewalt,  secretary;  and 
Thomas  Crouse,  treasurer. 

In  consequence  of  the  political  troubles  and  conflicts 
and  the  War  between  the  States,  the  convention  called  to 
meet  in  Salisbury,  North  Carolina,  failed  to  convene  ;  and 
for  the  same  reasons,  the  members  of  Virginia,  Tennessee, 
and  Missouri,  whose  presence,  under  these  circumstances, 
was  not  expected,  were  excused  for  their  non-attendance. 

The  By-Laws  and  Rules  of  Order,  not  meeting  the 
general  approbation  of  the  congregations,  were  rescinded. 
Mr.  D.  E.  Fox,  after  examination  by  Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel, 
was  licensed  to  preach. 

The  Parochial  Report,  only  seven  ministers  reporting, 
shows  412  infant  baptisms,  39  adult,  and  8  slave,  and  306 
confirmations. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  St.  John's  Church,  Cataw- 
ba Count}r,  North  Carolina,  on  Saturday  before  the  third 
Sunday  of  October,  1863. 

After  the  adjournment  of  Synod,  the  Secretaty  being 
informed  of  the  death  of  Deacon  Jacob  Costner,  and  an 
obituary  being  submitted  to  him,  he  ordered  it  to  be  ap- 
pended to  the  Minutes,  as  follows  : 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Jacob  Costner. — The  Rev.  Jacob  Costner  was 
born  August  27th,  1788,  and  departed  this  mortal  life  March  19th, 
1862,  at  the  advanced  age  of  72  years,  7  months,  and  2  days.  He  in- 
termarried with  Mary  Ann  Rudisill,  December  10th,  1S10,  who  bore 
him  ten  children,  five  of  whom  preceded  him  to  eternity. 

Mr.  Costner  was  born  of  pious  parents  who  dedicated  their  son  to 
God  in  infancy,  by  the  Sacrament  of  Holy  Baptism,  and  at  an  early 
age  he  was  admitted  to  full  communion  with  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church  by  the  rite  of  confirmation.  In  Mr.  Costner's  early  life,  the 
scarcity  of  ministers  in  the  Lutheran  Church  was  very  great,  and  he 
was  ordained  to  the  office  of  Deacon,  as  it  was  then  established  in  the 


l6o  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  but  from  causes  not  clearly 
understood  by  the  writer,  he  never  labored  in  the  ministry.  Mr. 
Costner  was  warmly  attached  to  the  Church  of  his  fathers,  and  was 
active  in  the  performance  of  whatever  he  considered  his  duty,  and  so' 
long  as  strength  permitted,  his  place  in  the  congregation  was  never 
vacant ;  but  for  a  number  of  years  before  his  death,  his  strength  so  far 
failed  as  to  prevent  his  regular  attendance  upon  the  public  ministra- 
tions of  the  Gospel.  His  concern,  however,  for  the  prosperity  of  the 
Church  continued  unabated,  and,,  as  he  nearedthe  grave,  his  prospects 
for  heaven  grew  brighter.  The  writer  visited  him  during  the  somewhat 
protracted  and  painful  sickness  which  terminated  his  earthly  existence,, 
and  had  opportunities  of  hearing  from  him  expressions  of  a  well- 
grounded  hope  of  acceptance  with  God. 

In  all  the  relations  of  life,  Mr.  Costner  was  exemplary.  He  was 
an  affectionate  husband,  a  kind  and  indulgent  father,  and  a  useful 
citizen. 

Forty-third  Session. 

Pursuant  to  adjournment,  Synod  assembled  in  St. 
John's  Church,  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,  October 
17,  1863. 

The  election  for  officers  resulted  in  favor  of  Revs.  J.  R. 
Peterson,  president;  J.  M.  Smith,  secretary;  and  M.  J. 
Stirewalt,  treasurer. 

Rev.  H.  Goodman  gave  notice,  that,  at  a  suitable  time, 
he  would  call  the  attention  of  Synod  to  the  importance  of 
missionary  work  in  the  Confederate  Arrny,  during  the  War 
between  the  States,  which  commenced  in  the  spring  of 
1 86 1,  and  ended  in  the  spring  of  1865, — four  years. 

This  matter  being  brought  up,  a  committee  of  four, 
consisting  of  Revs.  A.  J.  Fox,  P.  C.  Henkel,  H.  Goodman, 
and  Mr.  J.  F.  Plonk,  was  appointed,  to  propose  a  plan  for 
such  work.  After  consideration,  this  committee  submitted 
the  following : 

Whereas,  this  Synod  is  fully  aware  of  the  great  neces- 
sity of  doing  something  to  supply  our  own  soldiers  in  the 
Confederate  Army  with  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel  by  our 
ministers, 

Resolved  1.  That  we  establish  an  Army  Mission  in  the 
following  manner :    Let  as  many   ministers  in   connection 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  l6l 

with  this  Synod  as  will  subscribe  this  resolution,  be  obli- 
gated to  perform  missionary  labors  in  the  Confederate  Army, 
for  the  period  of  one  month  in  each  year,  if  our  funds  and 
the  situation  of  the  army  will  permit. 

Resolved  2.  That  two  ministers  go  at  the  same  time, 
and  that  in  rotation,  being  chosen  by  lot  at  each  annual 
meeting  of  Synod. 

Resolved  3.  That  their  expenses,  at  least,  be  defrayed 
by  donations  obtained  from  the  congregations  by  solicitation. 

Resolved  4.  That  those  ministers,  having  performed 
such  missionary  visits  as  herein  required,  shall  make  a  re- 
turn of  their  traveling  expenses  to  a  treasurer  hereinafter 
provided,  who  shall  pay  said  expenses  out  of  the  funds  he 
may  have  in  hands  for  said  purpose. 

Resolved  5.  That  a  treasurer  be  appointed  whose  duty 
it  shall  be  to  receive  such  "money  as  may  be  collected  for 
the  purpose  herein  stated. 

Resolved  6.  That  it  be  the  duty  of  the  ministers,  asso- 
ciated with  this  enterprise,  to  take  up  collections  in  their 
several  congregations,  semi-annually ;  and  that  they  for- 
ward said  collections  to  the  treasurer. 

This  was  received  and  adopted.  Moses  Harmon,  Esq., 
Newton,  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,  was  elected 
treasurer  of  the  mission  funds,  and  Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel  as 
corresponding  secretary  with  the  army  and  ministers,  to 
secure  information  as  to  the  points  and  times  best  suited 
for  such  work. 

The  committee  to  bring  up  the  Revised  Constitution 
for  the  consideration  of  this  body,  handed  in  the  following : 

Whereas,  it  was  made  our  duty  to  prepare  and  submit 
to  Synod  a  suitable  plan  for  the  revision  of  the  Constitution 
of  Synod,  we,  your  committee,  beg  leave  to  submit  the 
following  : 

That  a  session  of  Synod  convene  at  Zion  Church,  on 
Saturday  before  the  4th  Sunday  in  March,  1864,  at  which 
time  it  is  contemplated  to  consider  the  propriety  or  impro- 
priety of  adopting  the  Constitution  submitted  to  Synod  at 


1 62  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

her  session  in  i860,  with  such  suitable  amendments  as  may 
be  agreed  upon,  which  shall  then  be  printed  and  submitted 
to  the  different  congregations,  in  connection  with  the  Ten- 
nessee S3rnod,  for  their  approval,  amendment,  or  rejection. 

We,  the  ministers  and  lay-delegates  of  the  present 
Synod,  unanimously  and  most  earnestly  entreat  the  minis- 
ters and  congregations,  not  represented  in  the  present  session 
of  Synod,  seriously  to  consider  this  matter,  and  such  minis- 
ters to  be  present,  and  such  congregations  to  be  represented, 
each,  by  one  lay-delegate. 

This  report  was  received  and  adopted. 

Messrs.  L,.  A.  Fox  and  D.  E.  Fox  were  authorized,  in 
special  cases,  to  exercise  the  functions  of  a  pastor. 

David  S.  Henkel  and  David  A.  Goodman  were  received 
as  theological  students.  It  was  ordered,  that  1,500  copies 
of  the  Minutes  be  printed,  and  that  a  work,  entitled  "A 
Few  Fragments  on  Regeneration,"  by  the  late  Rev.  David 
Henkel,  be  printed  in  connection  with  the  Minutes  for  cir- 
culation in  the  Confederate  Army. 

The  Parochial  Report,  only  seven  reporting,  shows  193 
infant  baptisms,  8  adult,  and  14  slave,   and  214  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  St.  Mark's  Church,  Gaston 
County,  North  Carolina,  on  Saturday  before  the  second 
Sunday  in  October,  1864. 

Forty-fourth  Session. 

This  session  of  Synod  was  held  in  St.  Mark's  Church, 
Gaston  County,  North  Carolina,  commencing  October  8, 
1864. 

The  officers  elected  were  :  Revs.  J.  M.  Smith,  president ; 
A.  J.  Fox,  secretary;  and  M.  J.  Stirewalt,  treasurer. 

Rev.  J.  R.  Peterson  introduced  the  following  preamble 
and  resolutions,  which,  after  a  free  interchange  of  opinions, 
were  unanimously  adopted. 

Feeling,  as  we  do,  the  great  want  of  a  religious  peri- 
odical in  the  families  of  our  connection,  and  as  the  Southern 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  163 

Lutheran  is  the  only  paper  of  Lutheran  character  now  pub- 
lished in  the  Confederate  States,  be  it,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  Synod  most  cheerfully  recommend 
the  Southern  Lutheran  to  the  families  composing  our  con- 
gregations, and  that  the  ministers  connected  with  this  Synod 
be  encouraged  to  introduce  it  into  our  families. 

Resolved,  That  a  collection  be  taken  immediately  after 
the  sermon  to-day  for  the  purpose  of  sending  the  Lutheran 
to  the  soldiers. 

The  matter  in  regard  to  the  adoption  of  the  Revised 
Constitution  being  brought  up,  it  was  resolved,  that  final 
action  on  that  matter  be  deferred  till  the  next  meeting. 

Licentiate  L.  A.  Fox  was  ordained  to  the  office  of 
Pastor,  and  applicants  D.  S.  Henkel  and  D.  A.  Goodman 
were  licensed  to  perform  the  functions  of  the  ministry. 

The  Parochial  Report  for  this  year  shows  2,187  infant 
baptisms,  13  adult,  and  26  colored,  and  261  confirmations. 
Ten  ministers  reported,  and  the  presumption  is,  that  some 
of  them  reported  for  several  years. 

Synod  decided  to  meet  in  its  next  convention,  in  St. 
Peter's  Church,  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,  October 

21,    1865. 

For  ty-fifth    Session . 

This  meeting  assembled  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  Catawba 
County,  North  Carolina,  October  21-24,  l865- 

The  following  officers  were  elected  :  Revs.  J.  R.  Peter- 
son, president ;  C.  Moretz,  secretary;  and  J.  M.  Smith, 
treasurer. 

Philadelphia  Church,  Caldwell  County,  and  Pizgah 
Church,  Alexander  County,  North  Carolina,  were  received 
into  Synod. 

In  regard  to  the  Revised  Constitution,  final  action  was 
deferred  till  the  next  annual  meeting  of  Synod. 

Rev.  A.  J.  Fox  gave  notice,  that  he  would,  some  time 
during  this  session  of  Synod,  bring  to  its  notice  the  subject 
of  publicly  licensing  young  men  for  the  ministry. 


164  HISTORY   OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

When  this  subject  was  brought  up,  a  committee,  con- 
sisting of  Revs.  A.  J.  Fox,  P.  C.  Henkel,  and  T.  Moser, 
was  appointed  to  draft  a  licensure.  The  form  was  submit- 
ted in  due  time,  and  ordered  to  be  printed  in  connection 
with  the  Minutes. 

Previous  to  the  year  1862,  Synod  did  not  practice  the 
licensure  policy,  and  it  continued- that  policy  for  only  a 
few  years.  The  contingencies  of  the  Civil  War  gave  rise  to 
that  system,  so  far  as  this  Synod  is  concerned. 

D.  E.  Fox  was  ordained  to  the  office  of  Pastor,  and 
David  S.  Henkel  and  David  A.  Goodman  were  licensed  for 
one  year. 

During  the  year,  according  to  the  report,  only  eight 
ministers  reporting,  282  infants,  21  adults,  and  2  colored, 
were  baptized,  and  156  confirmed. 

The  time  and  place  for  the  next  meeting  were,  Thurs- 
day before  the  fourth  Sunday  in  October,  1866,  and  Beck's 
Church,  Davidson  County,  North  Carolina. 

Forty-sixth    Session. 

This  session  of  Synod  convened  in  Beck's  Church, 
Davidson  County,  North  Carolina,  October  25,  1866. 

Revs.  A.  Efird  was  elected  president;  L.  A.  Fox,  sec- 
retary ;  and  J.  M.  Smith,  treasurer. 

Rev.  A.  J.  Fox  suggested  the  propriety  of  organizing 
conferences  in  the  Synod. 

The  ministers  and  congregations  in  Virginia,  in  con- 
nection with  the  Tennessee  Synod,  having  already  organized 
a  conference  in  that  State,  called  the  Virginia  Conference 
of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  the  ministers 
and  congregations  in  North  Carolina  were  divided  into  three 
conferences,  designated  the  Eastern,  the  Middle,  and  South- 
ern Conferences,  and  the  ministers  and  congregations  in 
South  Carolina  were  formed  into  a  conference,  called  the 
South  Carolina  Conference  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Tennessee  Synod.  These  conferences  were  not  allowed  to 
transact  any  business  which  properly  belonged  to  the  Synod. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  1 65 

Rev.  A.  J.  Fox  offered  the  following  which  was 
adopted : 

Com  mission  to  the  General  Synod  of  North  America. 

Whereas,  The  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  in  the 
Southern  States,  is,  when  compared  with  other  branches  of 
the  great  Christian  family,  but  a  very  feeble  body, 'and 
feeble  as  it  is,  is  divided  into  nine  or  ten  small  synods,  em- 
bracing in  the  aggregate  not  more  than  200  ministers  and 
350  churches  with  about  35,000  communicant  members ;  and, 

Whereas,  We  firmly  believe  in  union  there  is  strength, 
but  in  division  there  is  weakness ;  and, 

Whereas,  The  central  point  in  the  Lutheran  Church  is 
her  doctrinal  standards,  to  which  she  must  firmly  cling  or 
cease  to  exist,  and  five  of  these  Southern  synods  having 
united  themselves  in  a  body  known  as  the  General  Synod 
of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  in  North  America, 
and  adopted  as  her  doctrinal  basis  the  Augsburg  Confession 
of  Faith  ;  and, 

Whereas,  We,  as  a  Synod,  are  anxious  to  do  all  we  can 
to  promote  the  interests  of  true  Evangelical  Lutheranism, 
and  we  think  this  can  be  done  best  by  uniting  the  energies 
and  resources  of  the  Symbolical  Lutheran  Church  in  these 
States  ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  one  of  our  most  experienced  and  influ- 
ential ministers  be  appointed  a  commissioner  to  meet  the 
next  regular  meeting  of  the  "General  Synod,  &c. ,"  to  con- 
vene in  Staunton,  Va.,  in  May,  1867,  and  to  confer  with  that 
body  upon  the  practicability  and  possibility  of  uniting  our 
Synod  with  said  General  Synod,  and  to  report  to  the  next 
session  of  this  Synod  the  result  of  any  conferences  he  may 
have  with  the  General  Synod  or  any  of  her  authorized  com- 
mittees. Afterward  this  Synod  shall  take  such  steps  as  she 
shall  determine  best.  This  commissioner  shall  observe  the 
following  instructions  in  all  his  intercourse  with  the  General 
Synod  :  this  Synod  proposes  a  union  with  the  General  Synod 
upon  these  conditions,  viz. :    That  the  General  Synod  pledge 


1 66  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGEUCAI, 

herself  that  no  church  journal  or  book  shall  be  published, 
or  other  publications  shall  ever  be  made  by  her  order  or  un- 
der her  sanction  that  contains  anything  contrary  to  any 
article  of  the  Unaltered  Augsburg  Confession  of  Faith,  and 
that  no  professor  shall  be  appointed  in  any  Theological 
Seminary  who  will  not  solemnly  promise  to  teach  correctly 
all  the  doctrines  of  said  Confession,  and  that  no  Synod  shall 
ever  be  received  into  her  connection  who  does  not  without 
any  reservation  subscribe  the  said  Confession  ;  and  further, 
with  this  distinct  understanding  upon  her  part,  that,  if  at 
any  time  in  the  judgment  of  the  delegates  who  represent  this 
Synod,  the  General  Synod  shall  violate  the  above  principles 
our  delegates  may  withdraw  from  that  session  to  report  to 
the  next  session  of  this  Synod  whose  action  alone  shall  de- 
termine the  future  course  of  this  Synod  in  relation  to  the 
General  Synod. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  ballot  for  the  commissioner. — 
Rev.  Dr.  A.  J.  Fox  was  chosen  principal  and  Rev.  J.  R. 
Peterson,  alternate. 

The  following  action  was  taken  in  regard  to  a  church 
paper,  called  Evangelical  Lutheran  :  Inasmuch  as  we  feel 
the  great  necessity  of  a  good  Lutheran  Church  journal  cir- 
culating among  our  people,  but  not  feeling  ourselves  able 
in  the  present  crippled  condition  of  pecuniary  affairs  to  com- 
mence the  publication  of  such  a  paper  now,  and  as  there  is 
a  weekly  paper  purporting  to  be  strictly  and  symbolically 
Lutheran  (at  least  in  doctrinal  features),  published  in  Char- 
lotte, N.  C,  in  which  we  find  some  things,  it  is  true,  of  a 
practical  character  which  we  cannot  endorse,  yet  in  view  of 
the  above  stated  facts  and  some  other  things  we,  for  the 
present, 

Resolve,  To  approve  the  circulation  of  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  among  our  people. 

Rev.  Jacob  Stirewalt,  having  sent  to  Synod  a  copy  of 
resolutions  passed  by  the  Virginia  Special  Conference,  pray- 
ing for  the  advice  of  this  Synod  in  regard  to  the  formation 
of  aliew  synod  in  Virginia,  based  upon  the  "  time-honor- 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  1 67 

ed  and  established   doctrines  and  usages  of  the  Lutheran 
Church;"   the  following  action  was  taken  : 

Whereas,  The  ministers  and  congregations,  in  connec- 
tion with  this  Synod  who  are  located  in  the  great  Valley  of 
Virginia,  have  expressed  a  desire  to  organize  themselves 
into  a  separate  synod,  although  we  regret  to  separate  from 
those  with  whom  we  have  been  for  so  many  years  associated, 
yet  in  view  of  the  reasons  presented  by  them,  and  the  great 
distance  that  separates  us  from  them  and,  consequently,  the 
difficulty  of  meeting  as  often  as  the  interest  of  the  Church 
requires  ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  approve,  unanimously,  the  measure 
proposed  by  these  brethren,  and  advise  them  to  organize  as 
soon  as  possible  with  such  constitution  and  other  regula- 
tions as  may  not  be  inconsistent  with  the  Word  of  God  and 
the  Symbolical  Books  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  promise 
them  that  as  soon  as  the  President  shall  be  officially  inform- 
ed that  this  has  been  done,  he  will  give  them  an  honorable 
dismission  from  this  Synod,  with  a  distinct  understanding, 
however,  that  a  regular  correspondence  be  maintained  by 
the  interchange  of  delegates  or  by  the  formation  of  some 
central  organization. 

The  death  of  Rev.  D.  E.  Fox  having  been  announced 
in  the  President's  Report,  a  committee,  consisting  of  Revs. 
I.  Conder  and  J.  M.  Smith,  was  appointed  to  prepare  suita- 
ble resolutions  relative  to  him.  The  following  was  submitted  : 

Memorial  of  Rev.   D.   E.   Fox, 
who  departed  this  life,  September  4,  1866;  aged  31  years. 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church, 
since  our  last  session  of  Synod,  to  remove  from  our  midst 
our  beloved  brother,  Rev.  D.  E.  Fox  ;  therefore, 

Resolved  1.  That  by  this  afflicting  dispensation  we  have 
lost  a  wortlvy  young  brother,  who  had  labored  but  a  short 
time  in  his  Master's  vineyard. 

Resolved  2.  That,  notwithstanding  our  deep  regret  for 


1 68  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

his  removal  and  the  loss  to  our  Church,  since  it  has  resulted 
in  his  everlasting  gain,  we  bow  in  humble  resignation  to 
the  will  of  God. 

Resolved  3.  That  we  deeply  sympathize  with  his  afflict- 
ed wife  in  her  bereavement,  and  commend  her  to  Him,  who 
is  the  husband  of  the  widow,  and  makes  all  things  work 
together  for  good  to  them  that  love  God. 

Resolved  4.  That  these  resolutions  be  incorporated  with 
the  Minutes  of  this  Synod,  that  a  copy  be  sent  to  the  Evan- 
gelical Lutheran  for  publication,  and  a  copy,  also,  to  the 
bereaved  wife  of  the  deceased. 

It  was  adopted  by  rising  and  standing  in  silence. 

M.  L,.  Fox,  M.  D.,  was  received  under  the  care  of  Synod 
as  an  applicant  for  the  ministry. 

Spanish  Grove  Church,  Forsythe  County,  North  Caro- 
lina, was  received. 

Relative  to  the  Revised  Constitution  and  the  Rules  of 
Order  and  By-Laws,  the  following  action  was  taken  :  Inas- 
much as  the  Revised  Constitution,  prepared  by  the  Extra 
Session  of  this  Synod  convened  in  Ziou  Church,  Catawba 
County,  N.  C,  on  the  26th  day  of  March,  1864,  upon  which 
final  action  was  postponed  by  the  regular  session  in  1864, 
and  again  in  1865  to  the  present  session,  has  been  approved 
by  a  large  majority  of  the  congregations  of  our  Synod;  be 
it,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  it  is  and  shall  be,  until  altered,  amended, 
or  disapproved  by  this  Synod  in  the  manner  provided  for  in 
its  last  article,  the  organic  law  of  this  Synod. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rules  of  Order  and  By-Laws,  which 
have  been  read  and  approved,  rule  by  rule,  and  section  by 
section,  be  now  adopted  as  a  whole,  and,  henceforth,  until 
altered  or  amended  as  provided  for  in  the  last  article,  be  in 
full  force  and  effect  in  the  Synod. 

A  delegate  was  appointed  to  the  next  convention  of 
the  Holston  Synod. 

With  respect  to  the  Freedmen,  the  following  action 
was  taken  : 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  1 69 

Whereas,  The  colored  people  among  us  no  longer  sus- 
tain the  same  relation  to  the  white  man  they  did  formerly, 
and  that  change  has  transferred  the  individual  obligations 
and  responsibility  of  owners  to  the  whole  Church;  and, 

Whereas,  Some  of  them  were  formerly  members  of  our 
congregations  and  still  claim  membership  in  them,  but  ow- 
ing to  the  plainly  marked  distinctions  which  God  has  made 
between  us  and  them,  giving  different  colors,  &c,  it  is  felt 
by  us,  and  them  also,  that  there  ought  to  be  separate  places 
of  worship,  and,  also,  separate  ecclesiastical  organizations, 
so  that  every  one  could  worship  God  with  the  least  possible 
embarrassment ;  and 

Whereas,  These  colored  people  are  considered  firm  ad- 
herents to  our  Church,  and  we  feel  it  our  imperative  duty  to 
assist  them  in  adopting  such  measures  as  will  meet  best  the 
necessities  of  their  present  condition  ;  be  it,  therefore, 

Resolved  1.  That  whenever  any  of  our  colored  brethren 
desire  to  preach,  they  may  make  application  to  some  one  of 
the  ministers  of  our  Synod,  who  shall  inform  the  President, 
when  it  shall  be  the  President's  duty  to  appoint  two  or- 
dained ministers  who,  in  connection  with  two  laymen  whom 
they  may  choose,  shall  constitute  a  committee  to  examine 
the  candidate  upon  his  motives  and  mental  and  moral  qual- 
ification, and,  if  they  are  satisfied,  to  license  him  to  preach, 
catechise,  baptize,  and  celebrate  the  rites  of  matrimony 
among  those  of  his  own  race,  according  to  the  usages  of 
our  Church,  until  the  next  regular  session  of  Synod  there- 
after, when  said  committee  shall  report.  This  license, 
however,  does  not  authorize  them  to  preach  in  our  churches, 
or  take  part  in  our  ecclesiastical  meetings;  nevertheless 
they  are  permitted  to  worship  with  us  as  heretofore,  yet  we 
advise  them  to  erect  houses  for  themselves  in  which  they 
may  worship. 

Resolved  2.  That  we  will  use  every  reasonable  means 
to  aid  them  in  organizing  and  building  up  congregations. 

Thomas  Fry,  a  freedman,  having  frequent^  expressed 
a  desire  to  preach,  the  President,  in  compliance  with   the 


170  HISTORY   OF   THE    EVANGEUCAL 

resolution  given  above,  appointed  Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel  and 
Rev.  J.  M.  Smith  as  the  clerical  half  of  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine and,  if  found  qualified,  to  license  him. 

This  year,  only  about  half  of  the  ministers  reporting, 
322  infants  and  20  adults  were  baptized,  and  217  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Cedar  Grove  Church, 
Lexington .  District,  South  Carolina,  on  Thursday  before 
the  fourth  Sunday  in  September,  1867. 

Forty- seventh    Session. 

This  meeting  was  held  in  Cedar  Grove  Church,  Lex- 
ington District,  South  Carolina,  commencing  September 
19,  1867. 

The  officers  elected  were  :  Revs.  A.  J.  Fox,  president  ; 
J.  R.  Peterson,  secretary;  Daniel  Efird,  corresponding  secre-, 
tary;  and  David  S.  Henkel,  treasurer. 

Revs.  J.  H.  Bailey,  E.  Kaughman,  A.  W.  Lindler,  and 
Prof.  J.  P.  Smeltzer,  of  the  South  Carolina  Synod,  were 
received  as  advisory  members: 

Sardis  Church,  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,  was 
received  in  connection  with  Synod. 

Rev.  Prof.  Smeltzer  addressed  the  Synod  in  regard  to 
the  interests  of  Newberry  College  and  Theological  Seminary, 
South  Carolina.  Synod  took  favorable  action  relative  to 
these  institutions. 

The  President  stated  in  his  message,  that  he  had  ex- 
tended the  license  of  D.  S.  Henkel,  and  that  he  had  given 
Rev.  J.  M.  Wagner  an  honorable  dismissal  to  the  Holston 
Synod.     These  acts  were  approved. 

The  commissioner,  appointed  to  attend  the  Southern 
Lutheran  General  Synod,  which  was  held  in  Staunton, 
Virginia,  in  1867,  reported.  It  seems  he  fully  carried  out 
his  mission,  and  kept  within  the  limits  of  his  instructions. 
He  spoke  in  the  highest  terms  of  the  manner  in  which  he 
was  received  and  treated  by  that  body.  He  appeared  to  be 
well  satisfied  with  the  sentiments  of  that  Synod,  as  ex- 
pressed during  his  sojourn  among  its  members.     He    then 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  171 

submitted  the  following  report  of  a  committee,  appointed  by 
said   General  Synod,  to  confer  with  the  said  commissioner : 

The  committee,  appointed  to  confer  with  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Fox,  as  a  commissioner  from  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Tennessee  Synod,  have  advised  with  him  in  reference  to  a 
union  of  that  Synod  with  this  body. 

We,  with  pleasure,  report  that  the  interview  afforded 
us  satisfactory  evidence  of  the  truly  Christian  character  of 
the  Synod  which  Dr.  Fox  represents,  and  the  high  princi- 
ples of  integrity  and  church  love  which  animates  them  in 
the  propositions   made  to   this    General  Synod ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  will  cordially  receive  said  Synod  as 
an  integral  part  of  this  body  on  the  truly  Lutheran  basis 
which  we  have  adopted,  and  in  accordance  with  which  we 
feel  bound  as  an  ecclesiastical  body  to  withhold  our  sanction 
or  imprimatur  from  any  religious  publication  of  whatever 
form,  which  shall  inculcate  principles  opposed  to  the  doc- 
trines of  the  Augsburg  Confession  as  construed  and  defended 
by  our  Church  in  her  Symbolical  writings. 

Resolved,  That  we  feel  ourselves  in  like  manner  bound 
to  appoint  or  employ  no  Professor  in  our  Theological 
schools  who  shall  teach  doctrines  at  variance  with  our  time 
honored  Confession. 

In  regard  to  this  report,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
give  an  expression  relative  to  it.  The  committee  submitted 
the  following : 

Inasmuch  as  the  question  of  a  union  between  this  body 
and  the  General  Synod  in  North  America  is  one  of  very 
grave  importance,  and  should  be  well  and  maturely  consid- 
ered, your  Committee  upon  the  Report  of  the  Commissioner 
to  the  General  Synod  have  examined  the  matter  in  all  its 
bearings ;  and  inasmuch  as  but  a  very  small  number  of  our 
ministers  are  present,  and  comparatively  few  congregations 
represented  in  this  meeting ;  and  inasmuch  as  our  brethren 
residing  in  Virginia  may  fail  to  effect  an  organization  in 
that  State,  we  would  therefore  recommend  that  a  Committee 
of  five,  three  ministers,  of  whom  the  President  shall  be  one, 


172  HISTORY   OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

and   two  laymen;  be  appointed   to  collect  all   the  facts  they 
can  in  relation  to  this  contemplated  union,  and  report  them 
to  the  next  annual  meeting  of  Synod,  that  decisive  action  1 
ma}-  then  be  taken. 

The  foregoing  report  was  adopted,  and  the  following 
committee  appointed  :  Revs.  J.  R.  Peterson,  P.  C.  Henkel, 
A.  J.  Fox,  and  Messrs.  A.  Costner  and  M.  L.  Cline. 

Feeling  the  great  necessity  of  making  suitable  religious 
impressions  upon  the  minds  of  the  children  of  our  congre- 
gations ;  therefore,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  ministers  of  our  connection  be  re- 
quested to  endeavor  to  get  up  and  encourage  Sunday  schools 
in  all  their  congregations,  and  report  their  success  to  the 
Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Church,  some  time  previous 
to  each  annual  meeting  of  Synod. 

License  was  granted  M.  L,.  Fox,  M.  D.,  to  perform  the 
functions  of  the  ministry. 

The  Parochial  Report  shows  340  infant  and  14  adult 
baptisms  and  257  confirmations. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Salem  Church,  Lincoln 
County,  North  Carolina,  September  24,  1868. 

Forty-eighth  Session. 

Synod  assembled,  pursuant  to  adjournment,  in  Salem 
Church,  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina,  September  24, 
1868. 

The  election  of  officers  resulted  in  favor  of  Rev.  J.  M. 
Smith,  president;  Rev.  C.  Moretz,  recording  secretary;  Rev. 
A.  J.  Fox,  corresponding  secretary;  and  Rev.  T.  Moser, 
treasurer. 

Rev.  G.  D.  Bernheim,  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod, 
was  received  as  an  advisory  member. 

During  the  meeting  of  the  Southern  General  Synod,  at 
Newberry,  South  Carolina,  in  1868,  the  Holston  Synod  was 
admitted. 

It  appears  from  the  proceedings  of  this  session  of  the 
Tennessee  Synod,  that  the  Northern  General  Synod,  at  its 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  1 73 

meeting  in  Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania,  in  its  twenty-third 
session,  adopted  the  Augsburg  Confession.  The  committee 
,  of  the  Tennessee  Synod,  in  reporting  on  the  Minutes  of  the 
said  General  Synod,  say  the  General  Synod  may  have  made 
advances  in  the  right  direction,  but  it  does  not  yet  seem  to 
reach  the  sound  Lutheran  faith. 

Well,  it  may  appear  rather  singular  that  a  general  body, 
claiming  to  be  Lutheran,  should  have  failed  to  adopt  the 
Augsburg  Confession  till  its  twenty-third  session.  Is  it 
any  wonder  that  there  was  a  continual  conflict  between  it 
and  the  Tennessee  Synod,  which  was  and  is  strictly  con- 
fessional ? 

Rev.  Miles  J.  Stirewalt,  Augusta  Station,  Indiana,  re- 
ceived an  honorable  dismission  to  the  English  District  of 
the  Joint  Synod  of  Ohio. 

The  President,  in  his  message,  calls  attention  to  the 
condition  of  the  Church  in  the  Valley  of  Virginia,  caused 
by  an  attempt  to  organize  a  new  synod  in  that  section, 
called  the  Concordia  Synod  of  Virginia,  and  recommends  a 
suitable  committee  to  be  appointed  to  investigate  that 
matter,  and  report  the  result  of  their  investigation.  The 
committee  was  appointed,  and  submitted  the  following 
report : 

We,  the  committee,  appointed  to  take  into  consideration 
the  relation  sustained  by  the  body  claiming  the  title  of 
"Evangelical  Lutheran  Concordia  Synod  of  Virginia,"  to 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  and  to  give  an 
expression  of  Synod  in  regard  to  this  matter,  beg  leave  to 
submit  the  following : 

Whereas,  In  the  year  1866,  application  was  made  to 
our  Synod  by  the  brethren  in  the  Valley  of  Virginia,  to 
form  a  synod  in  that  locality;  and,  whereas,  such  request 
was  granted  to  these  brethren,  accompanied  with  a  promise 
contained  in  a  preamble  and  resolution  passed  by  our  Synod 
in  regard  to  this  matter,  that,  as  soon  as  an  organization  ' 
should  be  effected  in  accordance  with  said  preamble  and 
resolution,  an  honorable  dismission  from  our  Synod  would 


174  HISTORY   OF   THE   FJVANGEEICAI, 

be  granted  these  brethren ;  and,  whereas,  an  effort  was 
made  to  form  a  regularly  constituted  synod,  but  the  object 
contemplated  failed  ;  and,  whereas,  the  Revs.  H.  Wetzel, 
G.  Schmucker,  and  J.  E.  Seneker,  with  several  congrega- 
tions, united  themselves  into  a  body,  styled  "The  Evangel- 
ical Lutheran  Concordia  Synod  of  Virginia,"  thereby 
disturbing  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  Church  in  that 
section  of  our  Synod,  the  other  brethren  dissenting ;  and, 
whereas,  the  Rev.  H.  Wetzel  has  denied  the  jurisdiction  of 
our  Synod  over  him,  and  as  no  request  has  been  made  by 
the  other  brethren,  who  entered  the  said  organization,  for 
an  honorable  dismission  from  our  Synod ;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  Synod  disapprove  of  the  course 
pursued  by  these  brethren  in  this  matter,  and  that  their 
names  be  retained  in  our  clerical  catalogue  until  they 
properly  apply  for  an  honorable  dismission,  or  announce 
their  withdrawal  from  it. 

This  report  was  received  and  adopted. 

Several  years  afterwards,  efforts  were  made  to  make  an 
impression  on  the  public  mind,  that  a  difference  in  doctrine 
between  the  ministers  in  the  Valley  of  Virginia,  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Tennessee  Synod,  gave  rise  to  the  organization 
of  the  new  synod  formed  in  the  Valley  of  Virginia,  and 
called  the  Concordia  Synod  of  Virginia.  But  these  efforts 
failed.  For  the  fact  is,  there  was  not,  at  the  time  of  its 
organization,  one  word  said  about  differences  in  doctrine, 
and  all  the  ministers  of  the  Tennessee  Synod,  in  the  Valley 
of  Virginia,  with  delegates  representing  their  congregations, 
were  notified  of  the  time  and  place  agreed  upon  for  such 
organization,  and  invited  to  be  present  and  participate  in 
its  organization  ;  and  when  the  time  came  for  such  organi- 
zation, and  none  of  the  ministers  in  Virginia,  of  the  Ten- 
nessee Synod,  except  Revs.  H.  Wetzel,  J.  E.  Seneker,  and 
George  Schmucker,  appeared,  Rev.  H.  Wetzel,  be  it  said  to 
'  his  praise,  opposed  the  contemplated  organization,  but  was 
overruled.  Since  that  time,  all  the  churches  in  the  Valley 
of  Virginia,  except  two,  which  went  into  that  organization, 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  175 

"have  returned  to  the  Tennessee  Synod,  and  now  stand  in 
its  connection.  One  of  the  churches  that  did  not  return, 
now  stands  independent  of  any  synod,  and  is  served  by  a 
Missouri  Synod  preacher,  whilst  the  other  one  stands  in 
connection  with  what  is  called  the  Concordia  District 
of  Ohio.  Rev.  H.  Wetzel  was  ultimately  received  again  in 
connection  with  the  Tennessee  Synod,  and  Rev.  J.  E. 
Seneker,  a  year  or  so  before  his  death,  spoke  of  returning 
to  this  Synod ;  and  even  Rev.  George  Schmucker  finally 
expressed  a  preference  for  this  Synod,  stating  that  he  neither 
could  conscientiously,  nor  would  he,  submit  to  some  of  the 
regulations  of  the  new  order  of  things. 

That  Concordia  Synod,  having  changed  its  tactics  a 
time  or  two,  finally  drifted  into  what  is  now  called  the 
Concordia  District  of  Ohio,  and  so  far  as  the  material  taken 
from  the  Tennessee  Synod  is  concerned,  it  consists  of  several 
congregations  in  West  Virginia,  a  few  fragments  in  Vir- 
ginia, and  a  few  of  the  fragments  in  North  Carolina  which 
were  broken  off  by  the  withdrawal  of  Rev.  Adam  Miller, 
Jr.,  who  was  resting  under  grave  charges  of  immorality, 
and  was  in  the  very  act  of  being  suspended  by  the  Synod 
when  he  withdrew. 

With  respect  to  the  President's  recommendation,  that 
an  effort  be  made  to  reunite  all  the  ministers  and  congrega- 
tions who  have  formerly  been  in  her  connection,  with  those 
now  in  it,  with  a  view  of  forming  the  Synod  into  district 
synods,  and  out  of  these  district  synods,  a  joint  synod,  and 
that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  take  this  matter  into 
immediate  consideration,  the  committee  on  his  message 
recommended,  that  such  committee  be  appointed  to  give 
that  matter  proper  attention.  The  committee  suggested 
was  appointed,  and  consisted  of  Revs.  P.  C.  Henkel,  A.  J. 
Fox,  and  T.  Moser,  Messrs.  A.  Costner  and  F.  L,.  Herman. 

Rev.  N.  Aldrich  presented  his  credentials  as  a  delegate 
from  the  North  Carolina  Synod,  and  was  received  as  such. 
Rev.  J.  M.  Smith  was  chosen  as  a  delegate  to  the  next  con- 
vention of  the  North  Carolina  Synod. 


176  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

On  the  reception  of  Rev.  N.  Aldrieh,  there  were  mutual, 
fraternal  greetings,  upon  which  Rev.  G.  D.  Bernheim  made 
some  of  the  most  eulogistic  remarks  respecting  the  charac- 
ter and  high  orthodox  standing  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Tennessee  Synod,  and  the  indebtedness  of  Lutheranism  in 
America  to  her. 

Revs.  S.  Henkel,  J.  Stirewalt,  and  J.  Killian  were  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  report  on  the  Book  of  Worship,  at 
the  next  meeting  of  Synod. 

With  respect  to  re-districting  North  Carolina  into  con- 
ferences, Synod  voted  unanimously,  that  the  conference 
embrace  all  ministers  and  churches  in  North  Carolina,  be- 
longing to  the  Tennessee  Synod,  and  that  its  name  be  the 
North  Carolina  Conference  of  the  Tennessee  Synod. 

The  committee,  on  union  with  the  General  Synod  of 
North  America  (Southern  General  Synod),  not  having  had 
time  to  give  the   matter  proper  attention,  were  continued. 

Rev.  L.  A.  Fox  received  an  honorable  dismission  to 
the  Southwestern  Virginia  Synod. 

Messrs.  John  S.  Bennick  and  William  H.  Swaney  were 
received  as  Licentiates. 

The  Committee,  appointed  to  prepare  a  plan  for  the 
reconstruction  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Syn- 
od, from  the  limited  time  they  had  to  consider  the 
matter,  did  not  feel  themselves  fully  prepared  to  mature  a 
plan  which  would  fully  meet  the  necessity  of  the  case,  but 
respectfully  submitted  that  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  Committee 
that  a  committee  of  one  be  appointed  to  open  a  correspond- 
ence with  some  of  the  most  prominent  members  of  the 
Holston  Synod  upon  this  subject,  and  that  Synod  be  re- 
spectfully invited  to  consider  this  matter  in  her  next  annual 
convention  ;  and  that  this  committee  of  one  report  the  result 
of  his  correspondence  to  the  next  meeting  of  this  Synod  ; 
and  that  the  Virginia  Conference  be  requested  to  take  up 
the  subject  of  organizing  themselves  into  a  branch  synod, 
and  lay  the  same  before  the  next  meeting  of  this  Synod. 

As  recommended  above,  Synod  appointed   the  Corres- 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  1 77 

ponding  Secretary  a  committee  of  one  to  open  the  corres- 
pondence with  prominent  members  of  the  Holston  Synod. 

The  committee,  Rev.  S.  Henkel,  Rev.  T.  Moser,  and 
Mr.  A.  Costner,  appointed  to  report  in  reference  to  the  publi- 
cation of  the  Epistles,  contained  in  Dr.  Martin  Luther's 
Church  Postil,  now  in  manuscript  in  the  English  language, 
and  in  the  possession  of  parties  at  New  Market,  Virginia, 
submitted  the  following : 

In  regard  to  this  subject,  we  recommend,  that  a  call  be 
made  by  the  Synod  on  those  parties,  to  make  arrangements 
for  the  publication  of  those  sermons  in  what  they  may  con- 
ceive to  be  the  most  judicious  and  practicable  manner,  at  as 
early  a  period  as  possible,  and  that  the  Synod  give  such 
enterprise  their  heartfelt  co-operation  and  support  in  the 
circulation  of  the  work. 

The  Parochial  Report  shows  454  infant  and  29  adult 
baptisms,  and  343  confirmations. 

The  place  and  time  for  the  next  meeting  were  Emman- 
uel Church,  New  Market,  Virginia,  and  Friday  before  the 
first  full  moon  in  October,  1869. 

Forty-ninth   Session. 

Synod  convened,  in  its  forty-ninth  session,  in  Emman- 
uel Church,  New  Market,  Shenandoah  County,  Virginia, 
October  15,  1869. 

The  officers  for  this  meeting  were :  Revs.  T.  Miller, 
president;  S.  Henkel,  recording  secretary;  A.  J.  Fox,  cor- 
responding secretary;  and  J.  S.  Bennick,  treasurer. 

Rev.  D.  M.  Henkel  was  received  as  delegate  from  the 
Pennsylvania  Synod.  On  motion,  the  following  resolution 
was  adopted : 

Resolved,  That  this  Synod  hail  with  joy  the  appearance 
of  Dr.  Luther's  Church  Postil  on  the  Epistles,  in  the  English 
language,  published  by  the  New  Market  Evangelical  Lu- 
theran Publishing  Company,  New  Market,  Virginia,  and 
that  each  minister  is  hereby  earnestly  requested  to  recom- 
mend this  work  to  his  people. 


178  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

The  Committee  on  Union  with  the  General  Synod 
South,  was  continued. 

The  Committee  on  Joint  Synod  not  being  prepared  to 
make  a  report,  recommended  that  a  committee  of  five,  three 
ministers  and  two  laymen,  be  appointed  to  take  charge  of 
the  matter. 

A  committee  of  two  ministers  and  one  layman  was  ap- 
pointed, to  report  at  some  future  session  of  this  meeting  in 
regard  to  that  matter.  The  following  is  the  report  of  this 
committee : 

Your  committee,  Revs.  A.  J.  Fox  and  J.  Killian,  on 
the  subject  of  a  Joint  Synod  or  Branch  Synods,  have  ex- 
amined the  matter,  as  far  as  we  have  had  opportunity,  and 
regard  such  an  organization  as  very  desirable,  provided 
some  safe  ground  of  union  can  be  traced  out,  and  we  regard 
this  as  at  least  possible.  We  regard  the  calling  of  a  con- 
vention of  all  concerned,  at  as  early  a  day  as  practicable,  as 
the  best  plan,  and  would,  therefore,  propose  to  our  brethren 
of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Holston  Synod,  to  meet  us,  in 
convention,  as  soon  after  the  rising  of  this  Synod  in  the 
year  1870,  as  may  be  convenient,  in  Grace  Church,  Catawba 
County,  North  Carolina,  as  this  is  one  of  the  most  central 
points.  And  that  they  then  enter  into  a  free  conference 
with  us,  upon  this  subject,  and  endeavor  to  agree  upon 
some  safe  plan  by  which  the  end  may  be  consummated. 

Resolved  1.  Therefore,  that  a  copy  of  this  report  be 
forwarded  by  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  this  Synod  to 
the  chairman  of  the  committee  appointed  by  that  synod  to 
correspond  with  us  upon  this  subject. 

Resolved  2.  That  the  committee  of  the  Holston  Synod, 
charged  with  this  matter,  be  requested  to  furnish  the  Corre- 
sponding Secretary,  as  soon  as  possible  after  the  rising  of 
their  Synod,  with  a  copy  of  their  proceedings. 

Resolved  3.  That,  if  our  proposition  to  call  a  convention 
is  complied  with,  the  time  of  the  meeting  of  this  convention 
be  fixed  upon  at  the  next  meeting  of  this  Synod. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  1 79 

A  church  paper,  called  the  Lutheran  and  Missionary, 
was  recommended. 

Rev.  William  H.  Cone,  delegate  from  the  North  Caro- 
lina Synod,  was  prevented  from  attending. 

The  President  having  announced,  in  his  report,  the 
death  of  Rev.  Jacob  Stirewalt,  and  that  of  Rev.  E.  E.  Smyre, 
the  following  was  adopted  by  a  rising  vote : 

Resolved  1.  That  we  have  learned,  with  feelings  of  the 
deepest  sorrow,  of  the  death  of  our  dear  and  well  beloved 
brethren  and  fellow  servants  of  our  Lord  and  Master,  Jacob 
Stirewalt  and  E.  E.  Smyre. 

Resolved  2.  That,  in  the  death  of  these  brethren,  we 
have  lost  two  of  our  most  esteemed  and  worthy  workmen  in 
our  Redeemer's  cause  upon  earth;  and  that  the  Church 
has  sustained  a  loss  not  easily  repaired ;  nevertheless,  we 
feel  ourselves  fully  resigned  to  this  very  painful  dispensa- 
tion of  Divine  Providence,  and  earnestly  pray  God  to  speed- 
ily fill  their  places  with  others  equally  good  and  true. 

Resolved  3.  That  this  Synod  hereby  expresses  her  deep 
and  most  sincere  sympathy  with  the  family  of  brother 
Stirewalt,  and  also  the  relations  and  other  friends  of  brother 
Smyre. 

The  committee,  Revs.  J.  Killian  and  A.  Efird,  appointed 
to  prepare  a  plan  for  Beneficiary  Education,  and  submit  it 
to  this  session  of  Synod,  submitted  the  following : 

1.  That,  owing  to  the  want  of  sufficient  time,  we  find  it 
impossible  to  mature  such  a  plan  as  we  think  would  be 
necessary  to  enable  us  to  operate  successfully  in  this  im- 
portant enterprise  of  the  Church.  We,  therefore,  respect- 
fully ask  Synod  to  continue  the  committee  to  the  next 
convention  of  Synod,  so  that  we  may  have  sufficient  time  to 
mature  it. 

2.  That  we  respectfully  recommend  to  Synod  the  im- 
portance and  necessity  of  urging  our  ministers  to  take  up 
collections,  at  an  early  day,  to  raise  funds  to  enable  J. 
Stirewalt  and  others  to  prosecute  their  studies  for  the  Gospel 
Ministry. 


180  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

3.  That  whatever  money  may  be  raised  by  the  Synod 
for  beneficiary  purposes,  be  deposited  in  the  hands  of  the 
Treasurer  of  Synod,  and  that  he  pay  out  the  money,  upon 
the  order  of  the  President  of  Synod,  countersigned  by  the 
Secretary. 

4.  That  the  Treasurer  be  requested  to  report,  to  the 
next  meeting  of  Synod,  the  amount  of  money  coming  into 
his  hands,  and  the  amounts  paid  over  by  him  to  the  bene- 
ficiaries of  the  Synod,  with  proper  vouchers. 

5.  We  further  recommend,  that  the  officers  of  the  Synod 
be  appointed  an  Executive  Committee,  to  decide  upon  the 
merits  of  the  applicants  for  aid  from  the  funds  of  the  Synod. 

6.  We  recommend  further,  that  the  beneficiaries  of 
Synod  be  requested  to  report  to  Synod  at  her  next  meeting, 
a  certificate  from  their  teachers,  of  their  moral  standing  and 
progress  and  proficiency  in  their  studies. 

This  report  was  adopted,  and  this  seems  to  be  the  first 
direct  formal  action  of  this  Synod  in  regard  to  beneficiary 
education. 

Mr.  John  N.  Stirewalt,  of  New  Market,  Virginia,  and 
Mr.  M.  A.  Aderholt,  of  North  Carolina,  were  received  as 
students  of  theology. 

Rev.  William  H.  Swaney  was  honorably  dismissed  to 
the  English  District  of  Ohio. 

The  Parochial  Report  shows  that  during  the  year  408 
infants  and  39  adults  were  baptized,  and  298  persons  were 
confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  South 
Carolina,  November  5,  1870. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Jacob  Stirewalt.— Rev.  Jacob  Stirewalt  was  born 
near  Salisbury,  Rowan  County,  North  Carolina,  on  Saturday,  August 
17,  1805,  and  departed  this  life,  at  his  residence,  in  New  Market,  Shen- 
andoah County,  Virginia,  on  Saturday  the  21st  of  August,  1869,  at  the 
age  of  64  years  and  4  days. 

He  was  the  second  son,  the  third  and  youngest  child  of  Capt.  John 
and  Elizabeth  Stirewalt ;  was  baptized  in  infancy,  and  eventually  con- 
firmed to  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church.  By  his  pious  parents  he 
was  trained  up  and  educated,  and  acquired  that  firmness  of  Christian 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  181 

character  and  those  habits  of  persevering  and  systematic  labor  which 
marked  his  entire  life.  In  his  day  the  advantages  for  acquiring  an  ed- 
ucation were  not  equal  to  what  they  are  now,  still  by  close  study  and 
personal  application  he  attained  an  eminent  degree  of  literary  and 
theological  knowledge. 

He  was  married  to  Henrietta  Henkel,  the  daughter  of  Elias  Henkel, 
at  New  Market,  Virginia,  on  the  8th  day  of  January,  1833.  Two  of  his 
sons,  John  N.  and  Jerome  Paul,  are  now  actively  engaged  in  the  work 
of  the  Gospel  ministry. 

He  was  ordained  Deacon,  September  14,  1837,  and  preached  his 
first  sermon  at  Mt.  Calvary  Church,  Page  County,  Virginia.  On  Sep- 
tember 14,  1838,  he  was  ordained  Pastor,  in  Lincoln  County,  North 
Carolina.  On  the  same  day  of  his  ordination  to  the  office  of  Pastor,  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  of  which  he  was  a  most  faith- 
ful member,  "Resolved,  That  Revs.  A.  Henkel,  Jacob  Kalian,  and 
Jacob  Stirewalt,  be  requested  to  compile  a  Liturgy  for  the  use  of  our 
church,  and  present  it  to  the  next  session  of  the  Synod  for  examina- 
tion." This  duty  was  performed  ;  the  Liturgy  was  adopted,  publish- 
ed, and  is  yet  extensively  used  in  our  church. 

As  evidencing  the  energy  and  devotion,  with  which  he  discharged 
the  duties  of  the  office  of  Pastor,  it  may  not  be  improper  to  state  that, 
in  the  32  years  of  his  ministry,  he  preached  3132  sermons,  of  which  560 
were  funeral  discourses  ;  he  confirmed  708  persons,  and  baptized  1259, 
and  united  in  marriage  171  couples  in  the  same  period. 

As  if  to  complete  the  circle  of  his  life,  just  three  months  before  his 
death,  he  preached  his  last  sermon  in  the  same  county  and  near  the 
same,  place,  at  which  he  preached  his  first.  A  life  of  such  protracted 
usefulness,  and  crowned  with  such  fruits,  may  well  lead  us  to  ponder 
upon  the  character  and  habits  of  the  man,  and  studying  the  means  by 
which  he  accomplished  so  much,  we  may  find  in  his  example  many 
useful  hints  to  ourselves. 

His  character,  like  his  features,  was  clearly  defined  and  individual. 
Regulating  his  own  life,  even  in  its  minor  details,  by  the  sternest  and 
most  critical  rules  of  the  severest  discipline,  he  always  had  a  charitable 
word  for  the  faults  and  errors  of  others.  Proclaiming  the  enormity  of 
sin  and  the  eternal  punishment  of  the  ungodly  with  terrible  distinct- 
ness, he  delighted  most  in  picturing  the  absolute  perfection  of  the 
character  of  Christ,  and  wooing  by  the  sweet  inclinings  of  a  Savior's 
boundless  love.  He  never  denounced  the  evil  without  presenting  the 
remedy  ;  never  threatened  with  punishment,  that  he  did  not  more 
forcibly  offer  the  rewards  which  attend  the  good.  To  him  the  Christian 
religion  was  an  active,  controlling  principle — indispensable  to  man's 
happiness,  not  only  in  the  world  to  come,  but  in  the  every  day  affairs 
of  life.     He  did  not  merely  preach  in  the  pulpit  ;  he  so  lived  in  practice 


182  HISTORY  OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

that  his  whole  life  was  but  a  continued  application  to  his  sermons. 

The  Bible  and  the  works  of  Luther  were  his  almost  daily  study,  and 
the  churches  to  whom  he  ministered  listened  as  he  preached,  with  that 
confidence  and  inclination  to  belief  which  generally  follow  the  knowl- 
edge that  the  preacher  has  given  to  his  subject  the  full  benefit  of  all 
his  ability,  energy,  and  research.  His  opinions  and  conclusions  were 
firmly  formed  after  he  had  thoroughly  examined  and  carefully  and 
prayerfully  studied  his  subject. 

Just  before  his  departure,  the  sainted  subject  of  this  notice  called 
his  sou  to  his  bedside  and  requested  him  to  repeat  the  Lord's  Prayer, — 
this  being  done,  he  quit  this  earthly  habitation,  to  be  present  with  the 
Lord.  Rev.  Ireneus  Conder  improved  the  visitation  of  Providence  by 
preaching  an  eloquent  discourse  on  the  uncertainty  of  life  and  the  cer- 
tainty of  death.  ' '  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from 
henceforth  :  yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labors, 
and  their  works  do  follow  them." 

Fiftieth  Session. 

This  session  met  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  Lexington 
County,  South  Carolina,  November  5,  1870. 

The  election  of  officers  resulted  in  favor  of  Revs.  A.  J. 
Fox,  president;  S.  Henkel,  recording  secretary;  J.  R.  Peter- 
son, corresponding  secretary;  and  T.  Miller,  treasurer. 

Rev.  A.  R.  Rude,  D.  D.,  Prof.  J.  P.  Smeltzer,  J.  A. 
Sligh,  and  J.  N.  Derrick,  of  the  South  Carolina  Synod,  and 
Rev.  Austin,  of  the  Georgia  Synod,  were  received  as  advi- 
sory members. 

Rev.  C.  H.  Bernheim,  corresponding  delegate  from  the 
North  Carolina  Synod,  expressed  his  desire,  in  a  letter,  to 
be  present,  and  renders  feebleness  of  health  as  his  excuse 
for  absence. 

The  committee,  appointed  at  the  previous  session,  to 
prepare  regulations  for  Beneficiary  Education,  submitted 
their  report,  which  was  adopted. 

The  President  having  announced  the  death  of  Revs. 
Ambrose  Henkel,  Christian  G.  Reitzel,  and  Adam  Efird, 
the  following  resolutions  were  unanimously  passed  by  a 
rising  vote : 

Resolved,  That,   by  the    death    of  these,    our   beloved 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  1B3 

brethren  in  the  ministry,  their  families  and  their  relatives 
have  lost  most  affectionate  heads,  who  were  examples  of 
domestic,  social,  and  moral  virtues — sound  in  faith  and 
doctrine ;  the  Church  and  the  Synod,  to  which  they  be- 
longed, devout  and  faithful  members. 

Resolved,  That  we  humbly  submit  to  the  dispensations 
of  God,  "who  does  all  things  well,"  and  be  encouraged 
while  we  are  spared  to  labor  in  our  Master's  vineyard,  to  be 
more  faithful  in  the  work  before  us. 

Resolved,  That  we  deeply  sympathize  with  the  bereaved 
families  and  relatives  of  our  beloved  co-laborers  in  the 
ministry;  and  that  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to 
them.  # 

The  following  is  the  report  of  the  committee  on  union 
with  the  Southern  General  Synod,  which  was  adopted : 

We'  the  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  subject 
of  a  union  of  this  Synod  with  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
General  Synod  in  North  America,  have  given  the  subject 
much  study,  and  while  we  have  found  many  things  in  con- 
nection with  it  which  would  make  such  union  desirable,  we 
have  also  found  many  other  things  which  seem,  to  your 
committee,  to  indicate  that  union  with  that  ecclesiastical 
body  is,  at  present,  of  such  doubtful  propriety,  that  we  are 
wholly  unprepared  to  recommend  such  a  connection,  and 
therefore,  most  respectfully  ask  that  your  committee  be 
excused  from  the  further  consideration  of  this  matter. 

At  the  instance  of  Rev.  S.  Henkel,  Junius  S.  Koiuer, 
Waynesboro,  Virginia,  and  J.  Paul  Stirewalt,  New  Market, 
Virginia,  and  at  that  of  Rev.  J.  M.  Smith,  Adolphus  Yount, 
Newton,  North  Carolina,  and  Wilburn  T.  Miller,  of  Newton, 
North  Carolina,  were  received  under  the  care  of  Synod, 
with  a  view  to  the  ministry. 

The  Parochial  Report,  only  nine  ministers  reporting, 
shows  29  adult  baptisms,  417  infant  baptisms,  and  326  con- 
firmations.    It  was 

Resolved,  That  Synod  adjourn  to  meet  in   Philadelphia 


1 84  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

Church,  Gaston  County,   North  Carolina,  on  Saturday  be- 
fore the  third  Sunday  in  October,  1871. 

During  this  decade,  there  were  1 1  applicants  for  the 
ministry,  3  ordinations,  7  licentiates,  5  dismissions,  3  died, 
8  churches  received,  5,261  infant  baptisms,  256  adult  bap- 
tisms, 40  slaves,  and  28  colored,  and  2,735  confirmations. 
It  is  to  be  regretted,  that  not  more  than  two-thirds  of  the 
ministers  furnished  reports,  and  frequently  not  that  number. 

During  this  decade,  there  were  many  difficulties  to 
encounter,  obstacles  to  surmount,  and  disasters  to  overcome. 
The  Civil  War,  of  four  years,  between  the  States,  North 
and  South,  which  commenced  in  April,  1861,  and  continued 
till  April,  1865,  exerted  a  very  depressing,  disastrous,  and 
demoralizing  influence,  not  only  over  the  country  generally, 
but  also  over  the  Church.  In  the  South,  a  large  majority 
of  the  able-bodied  men  were  in  the  army.  Ministers  were 
sometimes  arrested,  andothers  "refugeed,"  as  the  term  went, 
when  the  Northern  army  invaded  the  country.  Anxiety 
prevailed.  Residences,  mills,  saw-mills,  barns,  &c,  were 
burned  by  the  hundreds.  Horses,  cattle,  and  other  stock 
and  property  were  driven  up  North  by  parties  who  followed 
the  armies  for  the  purpose  of  plunder.  Churches  were  fre- 
quently occupied  for  weeks  and  months  as  hospitals  and 
rendezvouses.  The  whole  labor  system  was  subverted  and 
demoralized.  The  currency  was  vitiated  and  rendered 
worthless.  Millions  of  slaves,  that  had  been  regarded  as 
property,  were  set  free,  and  required  immediate  care  and 
attention,  not  having  been  trained  during  their  state  of 
slavery  to  provide  for  themselves. 

For  five  years,  the  ministers  in  Virginia  and  Missouri, 
belonging  to  the  Tennessee  Synod,  were  prevented  from 
meeting  in  the  synodical  conventions  with  their  brethren  in 
North  and  South  Carolina.  But  notwithstanding  this  con- 
dition of  things,  there  never  was  a  truer  and  more  faithful 
set  of  men.  They  worked  in  season  and  out  of  season. 
They  attended  as  faithfully  as  possible  to  the  spiritual  wants 
of  their  people  ;  they  advised,  encouraged,  and  cheered  the 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  1 85 

wives  and  children  whose  husbands  and  sons  and  brothers 
had  entered  the  army,  often  performing  manual  labor.  Nor 
were  the  people  generally  less  faithful.  Strong  faith  pre- 
vailed. The  exclamation  was,  Christ  will  take  care  of  His 
Church,  and  God  will  provide  for  His  people,  and  ulti- 
mately overrule  all  things  for  the  best.  It  is  almost  mirac- 
ulous how  the  .people  passed  through  the  war  as  well  as 
they  did,  and  how  soon  they  emerged  from  its  ruins  and 
devastations,  both  as  to  spiritual  and  temporal  matters. 
Surely  no  one  who  knows  anything  about  the  conditions  of 
things  in  the  South,  during  the  war  and  a  few  years  after 
its  close,  can  doubt  the  intervention  of  the  hand  of  Provi- 
dence. The  lessons  of  faith,  hope,  and  charity  were  learned. 
The  people  learned  to  depend  on  God,  rather  than  on  them- 
selves. It  is  easy  to  talk  about  faith  when  peace,  plenty, 
and  prosperity  prevail,  but  it  is  quite  different  when  all 
these  are  removed. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel. — Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel,  the 
fourth  son  of  Rev.  Paul  and  Elizabeth  Henkel,  was  born  in  Shenan- 
doah County,  Virginia,  near  Solomon's  Church,  8  miles  northwest  of 
New  Market,  on  the  nth  day  of  July,  1786,  and  was  initiated  into  the 
church  through  the  Holy  Sacrament  of  Baptism,  in  his  infancy,  and,  at 
a  more  mature  age,  entered  into  full  communion  with  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Church,  through  the  ancient  and  solemn  rite  of  Confirmation. 

In  1802  he  started,  on  foot,  to  Hagerstown,  to  learn  the  printing 
business.  After  working  with  Mr.  Gruber,  of  Almanac  reputation, 
and  at  Reading  and  in  Baltimore,  for  three  or  four  years,  he  purchased 
the  bed  and  irons  of  a  Ramage  press  and  some  old  type,  and,  in  1806, 
established  the  first  printing  office  in  New  Market,  Virginia.  With 
these  old  type,  and  cuts  made  by  himself,  he  published  a  pictorial  Ger- 
man spelling-book  of  his  own  arrangement.  In  1807,  he  commenced 
the  publication  of  a  weekly  German  paper,  called  the  "  Virginia  and 
New  Market  Popular  Instructor  and  Weekly  News, ' '  which  continued 
for  two  years— and  suspended  for  want  of  advertising  patronage.  The 
office  was,  however,  continued  as  a  Book  and  Job  office  by  him,  until 
he  sold  to  his  brother  Solomon,  about  181 7. 

He  entered  the  ministry  in  the  year  1823,  and  preached  his  first 
sermon;in  German,  in  Mt.  Calvary  (Hawksbill)  Church,  Page  County, 
Virginia,  on  the  23d  day  of  November,  1823,  from  1  Corinthians  10,  1-12, 
and  continued  actively,  faithfully,  and  successfully  in  the  ministry  till 


1 86  HISTORY   OP   THE   EVANGELICAL 

i860.  He  preached  his  last  sermon  in  Bethlehem  Church,  Augusta 
County,  Virginia,  in  the  year  1868.  He  was  engaged  in  the  office  of 
the  ministry  47  years.  His  labors  in  all  the  departments  of  his  minis- 
terial office,  were  extensive.  He  preached  3,995  sermons,  of  which  402 
were  funeral  discourses  ;  he  baptized  1,625  persons,  of  whom  90  were 
adults  ;  he  confirmed  1,952  persons  in  the  Church,  and  united  in  the 
holy  estate  of  matrimony  400  men  and  women. 

In  1S38,  under  order  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod, 
he  prepared  and  published  the  Church  Hymn-Book,  which  has  now 
passed  into  its  4th  edition. 

In  1833  he  was  appointed,  by  the  same  body,  chairman  of  a  com- 
mittee to  prepare  a  Liturgy  or  Book  of  Forms  and  submit  it  to  the 
Synod  ;  which  was  done,  and  it  was  approved  and  published  in  1843. 

He  also  aided  in  the  preparation  of  a  purely  literal  translation  of 
the  Augsburg  Confession,  the  Apology,  the  Smalcald  Articles,  the  Ap- 
pendix, and  the  Articles  of  Visitation,  which  appeared  in  print  in.  the 
Christian  Book  of  Concord,  in  the  year  1851. 

In  the  years  1857-8,  he  prepared  a  similar  translation  of  the  first 
volume  of  Luther's  Church  Postil  on  the  Epistles,  as  extant  in  Ploeh- 
man's  edition,  which  work,  after  having  been  carefully  compared  with 
the  original  German,  revised,  transcribed,  and  prepared  for  the  press, 
was  issued  in  serial  numbers.  He  was,  perhaps,  the  oldest  practical 
printer  and  editor  in  the  State— having  edited  a  newspaper  in  New 
Market  62  years  before  his  death. 

As  a  writer  and  translator,  he  was  noted  for  the  precision  and 
accuracy  of  his  style,  rather  than  ornament.  He  was  a  profound 
thinker,  an  earnest  student,  and  a  forcible  speaker. 

He  was  married  three  times.  His  first  wife  was  Miss  Catharine 
Hoke,  daughter  of  Frederick  Hoke,  Esq.,  of  Lincoln  County,  North 
Carolina.  His  second  one  was  Miss  Mary  Kite,  daughter  of  Mr. 
Martin  Kite,  of  Page  County,  Virginia,  and  his  third  one  was  Miss 
Veronica  F.  Heyle  (Hoyle),  daughter  of  Peter  Heyle,  Esq.,  of  Lincoln 
County,  North  Carolina. 

He  departed  this  life  on  the  6th  day  of  January,  1870,  at  1  o'clock,  ' 
A.  M.;  aged  83  years,   5  mouths,    and  26  days.      He  left  6  children, 
a  number  of  grand-children  and  great-grand-childreu. 

His  funeral  services  were  rendered  by-  Rev.  Jacob  Killian,  in  the 
presence  of  an  unusually  large  concourse  of  people,  in  Emmanuel 
Church,  New  Market,  Va.,  near  which  his  body  awaits  the  resurrection. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Adam  Efird. — And  again  another.  The  Rev. 
Adam  Efird,  of  Lexington  County,  South  Carolina,  September  •  13, 
1870.  And  all  his  days  were  forty-nine  years,  four  mouths,  and 
twenty-three  days. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  1 87 

He  was  born  in  Stanley  County,  North  Carolina,  April  20,  1821, 
confirmed  in  St.  Martin  Church,  by  Rev.  A.  J.  Fox,  April  6,  1839,  and 
ordained  to  the  ministerial  office,  in  St.  Peter  Church,  Sullivan  County, 
Tennessee,  in  October,  1847.  He  removed  to  Lexington  County,  South 
Carolina,  in  October  of  1854,  and  took  charge  of  several  churches  in 
connection  with  the  Tennessee  Synod.  Actively  engaged  in  the  work 
of  his  Lord,  beloved  by  his  people,  and  honored  and  respected  by  the 
community,  he  proved  himself  to  be  a  workman  that  needed  not  to  be 
ashamed.  His  health,  however,  failed,  and  he,  unable  from  bodily 
infirmity  to  continue  his  labor  in  the  sacred  office,  finally  offered 
his  resignation  ;  but  his  people  would  not  give  him  up.  He  was 
unanimously  re-elected,  though  unable  to  officiate.  His  five  churches 
clung  to  him  while  he  lived,  and  though  his  demise  was  not  generally 
known,  he  was  followed  to  his  last  resting  place  by  a  large  multitude 
of  mourning  and  attached  people. 

He  served,  during  the  war,  as  a  member  of  the  Legislature  for 
two  years,  and  filled  the  office  of  Probate  Judge  for  Lexington  County, 
at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  had  held  the  office  for  nearly  six  years. 
He  left  a  wife  and  six  children  to  watch,  wait,  and  follow  in  the 
narrow  path.  One  son  had  gone  before  him,  to  the  happy  land  on 
high.     Rev.  Dr.  Rude,  of  Columbia,  performed  the  funeral  services. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Christian  G.  Reitzel.— Christian  G.  Reitzel  was 
born  March  30,  1805,  in  Guilford  County,  North  Carolina.  On  the 
15th  day  of  November,  1827,  he  entered  into  the  holy  estate  of  matri- 
mony with  Miss  Delilah  Ingold,  with  whom  he  had  eleven  children. 

September  17,  1S35,  he  entered  the  ministry  as  a  Deacon.  Sep- 
tember 16,  1 841,  he  was  ordained  to  the  office  of  Pastor,  in  Rader's 
Church,  Rockingham  County,  Virginia. 

In  the  year  1841,  he  located  in  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina, 
and  took  charge  of  St.  Peter's,  Miller's,  and  Zion's  congregations,  in 
that  county,  and  of  Friendship  Church,  in  Alexander  County,  and 
served  them  till  1849. 

On  the  4th  day  of  February,  1850,  his  first  wife  departed  this  life. 
A  few  years  after  this  event,  he  married  a  second  time.  By  this  union 
he  had  six  children. 

On  the  25th  day  of  October,  1870,  he  departed  this  life;  aged  65 
years,  6  months,  and  26  days.  He  was  buried  at  St.  Peter's  Church, 
Catawba  County,  North  Carolina.  His  funeral  services  were  rendered 
and  a  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  J.  M.  Smith,  on  2  Tim.  4,  7,  8. 

Whilst  he  was  a  plain,  humble,  common  man,  he  possessed  excel- 
lent native  talents  and  fine  mental  capacities  and  powers.  He  was 
well  indoctrinated  in  the  teachings  of  Divine  Revelation  and  the  sound 
principles  of  the  Confessions  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  de- 


188  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

rived  froin  the  Holy  Scriptures.  He  was  very  exact  and  rather  critical. 
He  was  a  faithful,  zealous  preacher,  a  devout  Christian,  a  good  neigh- 
bor, a  reliable  citizen,  an  affectionate  husband,  and  a  kind  father. 

SIXTH    DECADE. 

Fifty-first  Session. 

Synod  met  in  its  fifty-first  session,  in  Philadelphia 
Chnrch,  Gaston  County,  North  Carolina,  October  14,  1871. 

The  officers  elected  were,  Revs.  S.  Henkel,  president ; 
I.  Conder,  recording  secretary;  J.  M.  Smith,  corresponding 
secretary;  and  A.  J.  Fox,  treasurer. 

Rev.  Prof.  L.  A.  Bikle,  corresponding  delegate  from 
the  North  Carolina  Synod,  was  received. 

On  a  letter  of  honorable  dismission  from  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Synod,  Rev.  L,.  A.  Fox,  who  formerly  had  been  a 
member  of  this  Synod,  was  received  into  connection  with  it. 

With  regard  to  union,  Synod  passed  the  following  reso- 
lution ;  be  it 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Synod,  that,  at 
the  present  time,  union,  in  the  form  of  a  Joint  Synod,  or 
Branch  Synods,  is  preferable  to  that  of  one  by  consolidation. 

The  committee,  appointed  to  meet  with  a  similar  com- 
mittee appointed  by  the  North  Carolina  Synod,  for  the 
purpose  of  preparing  a  basis  for  union  between  the  Tennes- 
see and  North  Carolina  Synods,  met  in  Mount  Pleasant, 
Cabarrus  County,  North  Carolina,  April  25,  1871,  and,  after 
due  consideration  and  considerable  discussion,  agreed  on  a 
basis,  which  was  afterwards  adopted  by  the  North  Carolina 
Synod,  and,  during  this  session,  by  the  Tennessee  Synod, 
with  slight  explanations.  This  basis  is  appended  to  the 
Minutes  of  this  meeting.     It  is  too  long  for  insertion  here. 

The  edition  of  the  Hymn-Book,  used  by  Synod,  being 
exhausted,  Revs.  S.  Henkel  and  A.  J.  Fox  and  A.  Costner, 
Esq.,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  various  hymn- 
books  and  liturgies,  and  report  at  the  next  session  of  Synod. 

M.  Iy.  Fox,  M.  D.,  and  Mr.  A.  L,.  Crouse,  having  sus- 
tained examinations,  were  ordained  to  the  pastoral  office, 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  1 89 

and  Mr.  John  N.  Stirewalt  was  ordained  to  the  same  office 
b)r  the  Virginia  Conference  of  this  Synod. 

A  church  paper,  called  the  Evangelical  Lutheran, 
having  been  revived,  and  published  by  Rev.  N.  Aldrich, 
Charlotte,  North  Carolina,  was  recommended. 

The  committee  on  the  synod,  called  the  Concordia 
Synod  of  Virginia,  submitted  the  following,  which  was 
adopted : 

While  we  still  regard  the  action  of  our  misguided 
brethren,  Revs.  Wetzel,  Seneker,  and  Schmucker,  as  irreg- 
ular and  schismatic,  yet,  as  we  can  see  no  advantages  that 
can  accrue  to  our  Synod  by  the  retention  of  their  names  in 
our  clerical  roll,  we  recommend  that  their  names  be  stricken 
from  our  list  of  pastors. 

The  committee,  appointed  to  prepare  resolutions  on 
the  death  of  Rev.  Jacob  Killian,  submitted  the  following, 
which  were  unanimously  adopted  by  a  rising  vote : 

Whereas,  It  hath  pleased  the  Almighty  Disposer  of  all 
events,  in  the  righteous  dispensation  of  an  all-wise  provi- 
dence, to  call  the  Rev.  Jacob  Killian,  a  member  of  this 
Synod,  from  his  labors  on  earth  to  his  reward  in  heaven,  be 
it,  therefore, 

Resolved  1 .  That  in  this  painful  dispensation,  we  recog- 
nize the  hand  of  our  Heavenly  Father,  who  doth  all  things 
well ;  and  bow  with  filial  resignation  to  his  chastening  hand. 

2.  That  we  deeply  lament  the  loss  of  a  devoted  friend, 
an  earnest  and  efficient  laborer  in  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
and  of  one  manifesting  the  liveliest  interest  in  the  prosper- 
ity of  our  beloved  Zion. 

3.  That  we  will  ever  cherish  his  memory,  endeavor  to 
imitate  his  many  virtues,  and  emulate  his  bright  examples, 
in  an  untiring  devotion  to  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  the 
church,  which  he  so  much  loved. 

4.  That  we  sincerely  condole  with  the  family  of  our 
deceased  brother,  in  their  sad  bereavement  and  deep  affliction. 

5 .  That  the  Secretary  of  Synod  forward  a  copy  of  these 
resolutions  to  the  family  of  the  deceased. 


I90  HISTORY    OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

According  to  the  Parochial  Report,  504  infants  and  38 
adults  were  baptized,  and  271  confirmed. 

Rader's  Church,  Rockingham  County,  Virginia,  was 
agreed  on  as  the  place  for  the  next  meeting  of  Synod,  and 
Saturday  before  the  first  Sunday  of  September,  1872,  as 
the  time. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  William  Hancher. — We  make  up  the  following 
in  regard  to  this  venerable  minister,  from  an  address  delivered  by  Rev. 
A.  J.  Brown,  D.  D.,  before  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Holston  Synod 
of  Tennessee  : 

Rev.  William  Hancher,  born  in  Frederick  County,  Virginia,  Sep- 
tember 7,  1 788,  venerable  alike  for  his  years  and  his  long  and  success- 
ful work  in  the  ministry,  is  entitled  to  special  mention  and  honor  on 
this  memorable  occasion.  He  was  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the 
ministry  in  1836,  and  died  in  1870,  at  the  advanced  age  of  four  score 
and  two  years,  minus  only  two  days.  From  the  time  he  entered  the 
ministry,  till  disabled  by  disease,  embracing  a  period  of  nearly  forty 
years,  he  labored  constantly  and  assiduously  in  this  calling.  He  occu- 
pied during  this  time,  for  much  of  it  almost  alone,  an  extensive,  and 
an  important  and  fertile  field  in  the  territory  of  the  Holston  Synod, 
and  faithfully  and  successfully  did  he  cultivate  and  develop  its  re- 
sources. His  labors  were  confined  principally  to  Sullivan  County. 
He  was  for  years  the  pastor  of  the  principal  churches  now  composing 
the  charges  of  his  son,  brother  J.  K.  Hancher,  his  grand-son,  Rev. 
William  G.  Wolford,  and  Rev.  A.  J.  Brown.  It  was  at  an  important 
and  critical  time  in  the  history  of  the  Lutheran  Church  in  this  country. 
It  was  in  the  midst  of  her  transition  state  from  German  to  the  English 
language.  At  the  time  of  his  ordination,  father  Hancher  was  perhaps 
the  only  minister  in  the  Tennessee  Synod  who  could  speak  the  English 
language  only.  Under  the  difficult  circumstances  by  which  he  was 
surrounded,  when  so  much  valuable  material  was  lost  to  the  Lutheran 
Church  in  many  other  sections  of  country,  he  not  only  retained  in  the 
church  in  the  field  of  his  operations  the  old  members,  but  also  brought 
into  it  most  of  their  children,  and  many  others  whose  proclivities  were 
by  education  and  earl}'  associations  anything  else  rather  than  Lutheran. 
To  his  labors  are  we  largely  indebted  for  the  firm  hold  of  Lutheran  ism 
in  Sullivan  County,  and  for  its  prosperity  in  after  yearfe. 

Father  Hancher  was  a  man  for  whom  nature  had  done  much,  and 
had  he  enjoyed  in  early  life  the  advantages  of  thorough,  mental 
culture,  he  might  have  attained  distinction  in  any  of  the  great  depart- 
ments of  human  activity  and  interest.  But  such  was  not  the  case. 
I  lis  youth,  his  early  manhood,  and  much  of  his  riper  years,  were  spent 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  19I 

in  manual  labor.  We  speak  of  him  now  particularly  as  a  minister  of 
the  Gospel.  Much  as  we  may  regret  his  want  of  education,  it  may 
have  been  the  best  far  the  church  at  that   particular  juncture   in   its 

history  .  While 

it  is  important,  if  not  absolutely  necessary,  for  the  minister  to  be  in 
advance  of  his  people  generally  in  education  and  general  intelligence, 
it  is  not  best  that  he  should  be  too  far  in  advance  of  them  in  these 
respects.  For  if  so,  they  will  fail  to  appreciate  his  labors  and  to  be 
benefited  to  the  fullest  extent  by  them.  But  I  am  wandering  from 
the  subject,  and  will  return. 

For  his  work  father  Hancher  had  many  fine,'  and  some  rare  natural 
endowments.  He  was  a  ready  speaker,  and  had  a  soft,  mellow  voice 
of  sufficient  volume  and  compass  to  address  with  ease  to  himself  large 
audiences  in  the  open  air,  and  there  was  in  his  mental  organism  a 
deep,  pathetic  vein,  which  was  clearly  seen  in  his  preaching,  and  sel- 
dom failed  to  be  deeply  felt  by  his  hearers.  We  have  witnessed  moving 
scenes  under  the  influence  of  his  preaching. 

Father  Hancher  was  not  a  systematic  sermonizer.  While  he 
attached  great  importance  to  soundness  in  doctrine,  and  gave  promi- 
nence in  his  preaching  to  the  distinctive  doctrines  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  his  preaching  was  mostly  practical  and  hortatory,  and  looked 
to  the  immediate  conversion  of  sinners.  His  themes  were  generally 
such  as  treat  of  the  deep  innate  depravity  of  the  human  heart,  of  re- 
pentance toward  God  and  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  glories 
and  felicities  of  heaven,  the  shortness  and  uncertainty  of  human  life, 
and  the  importance  and  wisdom  of  making  immediate  and  speedy 
preparation  for  death  and  judgment.  He  preached  as  a  dying  man  to 
dying  men,  deeply  impressed  with  the  importance  of  his  mission  and 
the  tremendous  responsibility  which  it  involves.  And  he  was  success- 
ful in  bringing  many  souls,  to  Christ,  which  shall  adorn  his  crown 
when  the  Master  comes  to  make  up  his  jewels. 

During  his  life  he  received  many  evidences  of  the  esteem  and  love 
of  his  brethren,  and  when  he  died,  he  died  deeply  lamented.  Like  a 
ripe  sheaf,  he  has  been  gathered  home  into  the  heavenly  garner,  full 
of  years  and  of  honors. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Jacob  Killian. — Rev.  Jacob  Kalian  was  born  of 
a  well-known,  influential,  Christian  family,  in  Lincoln  County,  North 
Carolina,  June  8,  1818.  He  was  dedicated  to  God  in  infancy,  and,  at  a 
more  mature  age,  he  entered  into  full  communion  with  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Church. 

After  securing  a  respectable  education,  he  commenced  the  study 
of  theology,  with  a  view  to  the  ministry.  May  11,  1836,  he  entered 
the  ministry,  in  connection  with  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee 


I92  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

Synod.  In  the  year  1S37,  he  located  near  Waynesboro,  Augusta 
County,  Virginia,  where  he  took  charge  of  Koiner's  Church,  and  other 
congregations  in  that  section,  and  lived  and  labored  there,  till  he  was 
called  from  time  into  eternity.  He  entered  into  the  estate  of  holy 
matrimony  with  Miss  Julia  A.  Koiner,  daughter  of  George  Koiner, 
Esq. ,  of  near  Fishersville,  Augusta  County,  Virginia. 

He  was  a  large,  portly  man  of  commendable  bearing  and  extensive 
influence,  commanding  general  respect  and  esteem.  He  was  possessed 
of  fine  native  talents  and  excellent  oratorical  powers.  He  was  an  in- 
fluential speaker,  and  frequently  grew  quite  eloquent  in  the  delivery 
of  his  sermons.  His  voice  was  clear,  strong,  and  forcible.  He  was  a 
faithful  and  zealous  laborer  in  the  vineyard  of  his  Lord  and  Master, 
true  and  faithful  to  the  doctrines  and  usages  of  the  Church,  and  strictly 
conservative.  He  made  a  good  impression  wherever  he  went.  He 
was  well  acquainted  with  the  history  and  doctrines  of  the  Church,  and 
always  inculcated  them  in  the  best  and  most  impressive  manner. 

He  was  a  good,  reliable  citizen,  a  kind  neighbor,  and  an  affection- 
ate husband  and  a  loving  father. 

After  spending  a  useful,  successful,  Christian  life,  in  the  Church, 
the  Family,  and  the  State,  he  departed  this  life,  July  5,  1871  ;  aged  53 
years  and  28  days,  and  entered  his  rest  in  the  upper  Sanctuary,  leaving 
four  children, — three  sons  and  one  daughter,  with  numerous  relatives 
and  friends  to  lament  their  irreparable  loss.  He  was  buried  at  Bethle- 
hem Church,  near  his  residence,  Revs.  J.  I.  Miller,  D.  D.,  and  I. 
Conder  officiating,  in  the  presence  of  an  unusually  large  and  sympa- 
thetic concourse  of  relatives  and  friends. 

' '  At  length  released  from  many  woes, 

How  sweetly  dost  thou  sleep  ; 
How  calm  and  peaceful  thy  repose, 
While  Christ  thy  soul  doth  keep." 

Fifty- seco7id  Session. 

Synod  assembled  in  Rader's  Church,  Rockingham 
County,  Virginia,  on  Saturday  before  the  first  Sunday  in 
September,  1872. 

The  election  for  officers  resulted  in  favor  of  Revs.  A.  J. 
Fox,  president;  L,.  A.  Fox,  recording  secretary ;  S.  Henkel, 
corresponding  secretary;  and  J.  S.  Bennick,  treasurer. 

Revs.  J.  A.  Snyder  and  Prof.  J.  I.  Miller,  of  the  Vir- 
ginia Synod,  and  J.  P.  Stirewalt  and  J.  S.  Koiner,  theo- 
logical students,  were  received  as  advisory  members. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  1 93 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  fuller  paro- 
chial table. 

The  Staunton,  Virginia,  Female  Seminary,  Rev.  Prof. 
J.  I.  Miller,  president,  was  recommended. 

The  committee  of  correspondence  with  members  of  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Holston  Synod  in  regard  to  a  union 
of  that  synod  with  this  Synod,  submitted  the  following : 

We  have  had  some  correspondence  with  the  president 
of  that  synod,  and  from  his  letters  learn  that  the  synod  is 
likely  to  sever  her  connection  with  the  Southern  General 
Synod  at  her  next  convention,  and  that  she  is  favorably 
disposed  towards  a  union  with  this  Synod,  with  the  ultimate 
design  of  uniting  with  the  General  Council. 

The  committee  recommended,  that  a  delegate  be  ap- 
pointed to  attend  the  next  meeting  of  the  Holston  Synod, 
and,  if  possible,  make  arrangements  for  the  union  of  these 
two  synods  in  a  joint  synod. 

With  a  view  of  securing  a  higher  degree  of  attainment 
on  the  part  of  those  who  intend  to  enter  the  ministry  in 
connection  with  this  Synod,  both  in  regard  to  literature 
and  theology,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  a 
course  of  studies  for  theological  students,  who  do  not  take 
a  regular  course  in  a  theological  seminary. 

The  committee,  S.  Henkel,  A.  J.  Fox,  and  A.  Costner, 
submitted,  among  other  things,  in  their  report,  the  following  : 

After  a  careful  and  conscientious  examination  of  differ- 
ent hymn-books  and  liturgies  now  in  use,  (among  them 
the  Book  of  Worship — a  work  of  decided  merit)  we  would, 
under  the  circumstances  and  in  view  of  the  highest  consid- 
erations, recommend  to  congregations  in  need  of  hymn- 
books  or  books  containing  the  service  of  the  Church,  "The 
Church  Book  for  the  use  of  Evangelical  Lutheran  Congre- 
gations. By  authority  of  the  General  Council  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Lutheran  Church  in  America."  This  book  we 
regard  as  a  work  of  the  highest  merit,  strictly  churchly  in 
/  all  its  features. 

The  principles  on  which  this  was  constituted  were  not 


194  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

the  taste  of  anjr  individual  or  committee,  but  the  consensus 
of  the  Lutheran  Church  in  its  purest  periods,  in  all  countries. 
Great  care  and  labor  have  been  bestowed  on  this  work,  in 
order  to  attain  the  highest  degree  of  perfection.  We  are 
assured  on  the  highest  authority,  that  it  is  in  its  final  shape 
as  far  as  it  goes — the  forms  for  Baptism,  &c,  (Artcs  Minis- 
teriales)  remain  to  be  added.  The  work  will  not  be  changed 
— the  forms  will  simply  be  appended  to  later  editions.  The 
work  is  equally  as  cheap  as  the  Church  Hymn-Book.  If 
any  of  our  ministers  should  need  a  book  containing  the 
Actes  Ministeriales  before  the  later  editions  of  the  Church 
Book  are  published,  we  refer  them  to  the  "Book  of  Forms 
by  Rev.  J.  A.  Seiss,  D.  D.,"  published  about  fourteen  years 
ago,  and  to  the  old  Liturgy  of  the  Pennsylvania  Synod. 

The  President  having  recommended  in  his  report  the 
propriety  of  reviving  the  ancient  custom  of  installation, 
it  was 

Resolved,  That  it  be  the  duty  of  the  President,  with 
the  consent  of  the  pastor-elect  and  the  congregation,  to  ap- 
point a  committee  of  installation,  in  all  succeeding  changes 
in  the  pastoral  relations  in  our  Synod,  to  perform  this 
ceremony. 

The  Committee  on  the  Revision  of  the  Constitution  of 
Beneficiary  Association,  was  discharged,  and  another,  con- 
sisting of  Rev.  S.  Henkel  and  Mr.  A.  M.  Bowman,  was  ap- 
pointed in  place  of  the  former. 

The  corresponding  delegate  to  the  North  Carolina 
Synod,  presented,  among  other  things,  in  his  report,  the 
following : 

The  only  thing  done  in  which  this  Synod  is  directly 
interested,  was  in  regard  to  the  contemplated  union  of  this 
Synod  with  that  in  a  joint  body.  The  subject  elicited  much 
discussion,  was  fully  ventilated,  and  was  disposed  of  by  the 
adoption  of  resolutions  referring  the  matter  to  the  next 
convention  of  the  Synod  for  further  action.  These  resolu- 
tions were  ordered  to  be  forwarded  by  the  Corresponding 
Secretary  to  the  President  of  this  Synod. 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE  SYNOD.  1 95 

In  regard  to  this,  Synod  took  the  following  action  : 
Resolved  1.  That  we  heartily  endorse  the  sentiment  of 
the  North  Carolina  Synod,  expressed  in  these  resolutions, 
viz.:   "That  a  union  of  the  two  Synods  in  a  Joint  Synod  is 
both  practicable  and  desirable." 

2.  That  we  entirely  approve  the  action  of  the  North 
Carolina  Synod  in  reference  to  this  union. 

3.  That  this  Synod  is  ready  to  meet  the  North  Carolina 
Synod  in  a  joint  convention  at  any  time  and  place,  and  on 
any  basis  of  lay  representation  that  may  be  agreed  upon  by 
the  Presidents  of  the  Synods  interested. 

The  following  report  was  adopted  : 

The  committee,  consisting  of  Revs.  S.  Henkel  and  I. 
Conder,  appointed  to  reply  to  the  communications  of  Revs. 
P.  C.  Henkel  and  J.  R.  Moser,  of  Missouri,  to  this  Synod, 
submitted  the  following  : 

Whereas,  We  learn  from  the  communications  of  these 
brethren,  that  the  prospects  for  building  up  the  Church  in 
the  West  are  favorable,  and  that  these  brethren,  in  connec- 
tion with  others,  have  taken  preliminary  steps  for  the 
organization  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod  in  the 
State  of  Missouri ;  be  it,  therefore, 

Resolved  1.  That  we  hail  with  pleasure  this  information. 

2.  That  their  efforts  put  forth  for  the  organization  of  a 
Synod,  meet  our  approbation. 

3.  That,  in  order  to  aid  them  in  publishing  the  pro- 
ceedings of  their  conference,  and  their  proposed  constitu- 
tion in  connection  with  their  discussion  of  "Doctrinal  Theses 
selected  from  the  Symbols  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church,  showing  the  principal  distinction  between  the 
Lutheran  Church  and  other  ecclesiastical  Communions," 
we  request  our  ministers  at  once  to  bring  the  matter  before 
their  respective  congregations  and  secure  subscriptions  to 
said  work,  which  your  committee  presumes  will  cost  fifteen 
cents  per  copy,  and  send  the  amount  to  Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel 
or  Rev.  J.  R.  Moser. 


196  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

Appropriations  were  made  for  the  benefit  of  four  bene- 
ficiary students.  Messrs.  M.  L.  Little  and  W.  C.  Holler 
were  received  as  applicants  for  the  ministry. 

During  this  synodical  year,  392  infants  and  43  adults 
were  baptized,  and  284  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Zion  Church',  Lexington 
County,  South  Carolina,  on  the  third  Sunday  in  October, 
1873. 

Fifty-third  Session. 

Synod  met  in  Zion  Church,  Lexington  County,  South 
Carolina,  October  16,  1873. 

Rev.  J.  M.  Smith  was  elected  president ;  Rev.  J.  R. 
Peterson,  recording  secretary ;  Rev.  L.  A.  Fox,  corresponding 
secretary;  and  Rev.  J.  N.  Stirewalt,  treasurer. 

The  following  course  of  study,  for  private  students  in 
theology,  was  recommended:  Home's  Introduction,  Hut- 
ter's  Compend,  Book  of  Concord,  Krauth's  Conservative 
Reformation,  Knapp's  Christian  Theology,  Mann's  Schmidt's 
Christian  Ethics,  Kurtz's  Sacred  History,  Kurtz's  Church 
History,  Ripley's  Sacred  Rhetoric,  Vinet's  Homiletics, 
Vinet's  Pastoral  Theology.  Instruction  must  be  given  in 
Exegesis,  Catechetics,  Liturgies,  and  Ecclesiastical  Polity. 

It  is  presumed  that  every  minister  who  undertakes  to 
give  instructions,  will  be  able  to  point  out  and  guard  his 
students  against  such  things  in  any  of  the  books  given 
above  that  is  un-Lutheran.  The  most  objectionable  one 
has  important  features  not  found  elsewhere. 

Special  attention  is  to  be  given  to  the  study  of  the  New 
Testament  in  Greek,  and  when  the  minister  is  able  to  teach 
Hebrew,  to  the  study  of  the  Old  Testament  in  Hebrew. 

St.  James  Church,  Summit,  South  Carolina,  was 
received. 

The  Virginia  Conference  of  the  Synod  was  requested 
to  examine,  and,  if  found  qualified,  to  ordain  J.  Paul 
Stirewalt. 

M.  L.  Little  and  J.  C.  Moser,  after  examination,  were 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  197 

licensed   as    ministers.     Mr.   W.   P.   Cline  and   Mr.    D.    L. 
Crouse  were  received  as  theological  students. 

Arrangements  were  made  to  establish  a  regular  synod- 
ical  fund.  Heretofore,  there  was  no  such  fund  in  this 
Synod.  The  amounts  necessary  for  printing  Minutes, 
traveling  expenses,  &c,  were  raised  by  voluntary  contribu- 
tions from  individuals  and  congregations,  nearly  every  con- 
gregation having  a  treasury. 

The  following  action  was  taken  relative  to  Our  Church 
Paper: 

Resolved,  That  we  hail  with  much  pleasure,  the  appear- 
ance of  Our  Church  Paper,  a  religious  journal,  published 
at  New  Market,  Virginia.  The  respectability  of  its  appear- 
ance, the  ability  with  which  it  is  conducted,  and  the  sound- 
ness of  the  doctrines  and  practices  which  it  inculcates,  are 
just  what  we  think  they  ought  to  be,  and  we  therefore  regard 
it  our  duty,  as  far  as  possible,  to  encourage  its  circulation 
among  the  people  of  our  congregations,  and  that  we  exert  our- 
selves to  introduce  it  into  every  family  of  our  connection. 

The  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  Synod  were  ordered 
to  be  appended  to  the  Minutes  of  this  session. 

Messrs.  J.  F.  Moser  and  A.  B.  Efird  were  received  as 
beneficiaries,  with  a  view  to  the  ministry.  Appropriations 
were  made  for  four  beneficiaries.  Corresponding  delegates 
were  appointed  to  different  synods. 

The  following  action,  taken  by  the  North  Carolina 
Synod,  relative  to  union:  "That  all  action  in  regard  to 
union  with  all  other  ecclesiastical  bodies  be  postponed  for 
five  years," — seems  to  have  put  that  matter  to  rest  for  that 
period  at  least. 

According  to  the  report,  there  were  599  infants  and  34 
adults  baptized,  and  447  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Pilgrim's  Church,  David- 
son  County,  North  Carolina,  Thursday  before  the  first 
Sunday  in  October,  1874. 


I98  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

Fifty-fourth  Session. 

This  meeting  was  held  in  Pilgrim's  Church,  Davidson 
County,  North  Carolina,  beginning  October  1,  1874. 

The  officers  elected  were :  Rev.  L.  A.  Fox,  president ; 
Rev.  A.  L.  Crouse,  recording  secretary;  Rev.  J.  M.  Smith, 
corresponding  secretary;  and  Maj.  A.  Koiner,  treasurer. 

Rev.  W.  Kimball,  corresponding  delegate  from  the 
North  Carolina  Synod,  was  received. 

Letters  of  honorable  dismission  were  granted  Revs.   P. 
C.  Henkel  and  J.   R.   Moser  to  the  Missouri  Conference  of 
the  Lutheran  Church. 

Crouse's  Mission,  Alabama,  Morning  Star,  Page  County, 
and  St.  Jacob's  Church,  Shenandoah  County,  Virginia,  were 
received. 

For  sufficient  reasons,  the  name  of  Christian  Moretz, 
Jr. ,  was  erased  from  the  clerical  catalogue  of  Synod. 

Rev.  C.  H.  Bernheim,  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod, 
was  received  as  an  advisory  member. 

During  its  meeting  in  1874,  the  Holston  Synod  resolved 
to  unite  with  the  General  Council  of  the  Lutheran  Church 
in  America. 

The  Synod  being  notified  of  the  fact,  that  the  said 
General  Council  appointed  a  committee  to.  co-operate  with 
similar  committees  from  other  general  bodies,  and  from 
synods  not  in  connection  with  any  general  body,  in  arrang- 
ing for  a  general  colloquium  of  all  Lutherans  in  America, 
who  accept  unqualifiedly  the  Augsburg  Confession,  the 
following  action  was  taken  : 

Resolved,  That  we  cordially  approve  this  move  of  the 
General  Council. 

During  this  year,  there  were  384  confirmed,  and  39 
adults  and  497  infants  baptized. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Mt.  Calvary  Church,  Page 
County,  Virginia,  Thursday  before  the  first  Sunday  in  Sep- 
tember, 1875. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  199 

Fifty -fifth  Session. 

Synod  assembled  in  Mt.  Calvary  Church,  Page  County, 
Virginia,  September,  1875. 

Its  officers  were  Rev.  J.  R.  Peterson,  president ;  Rev. 
I.  Conder,  recording  secretary;  Rev.  J.  N.  Stirewalt,  corre- 
sponding secretary;  and  Rev.  S.  Henkel,  treasurer. 

Rev.  C.  H.  Bernheim,  corresponding  delegate  of  the 
North  Carolina  Synod,  was  received. 

Mr.  J.  W.  Hausenfluck  was  received  as  an  applicant 
for  the  ministry,  and,  at  his  request,  placed  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Rev.  S.  Henkel. 

Rev.  J.  M.  Smith,  in  a  letter,  informed  Synod  that  the 
congregations  in  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,  had  de- 
cided to  establish  a  high  school  of  a  strictly  Lutheran 
character.  Synod  approved  of  that  move  and  heartily  com- 
mended the  enterprise. 

Relative  to  the  death  of  Rev.  Godfrey  Dreher,  of  Lex- 
ington County,  South  Carolina,  the  following  preamble  and 
resolutions  were  adopted  by  a  rising  vote : 

Whereas,  God,  in  his  all-wise  Providence,  has  been 
pleased  to  call  from  time  to  eternity  Rev.  Godfrey  Dreher, 
pastor  of  Lutheran  congregations,  Lexington  County,  South 
Carolina,  hereby 

Resolved,  That  we  express  our  high  appreciation  of  his 
services  and  success ;  that  we  bow  in  humble  submission  to 
the  will  of  him  that  doth  all  things  well,  cherish  the 
memory  of  Rev.  Dreher,  and  pray  the  Master  to  send  in  his 
stead  faithful  and  worthy  ministers  of  the  New  Testament. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  published 
in  Our  Church  Paper. 

On  motion,  the  congregation  in  Monroe,  Union  County, 
North  Carolina,  was  received. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  constitution 
and  regulations  for  Home  Missionary  operations,  and  report 
to  the  next  meeting. 

On  motion,  Rev.  S.  Henkel  was  required  to  secure  all 


200  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

the  minutes  and  pamphlets  of  the  different  sessions  of  our 
Synod,  and  have  them  bound,  and  also  to  collect  such  other 
material  as  may  be  of  interest  to  the  Church. 

Appropriations  were  made  for  the  benefit  of  two  bene- 
ficiaries. 

There  were  484  infant  and  48  adult  baptisms,  and  359 
confirmations,  reported  at  this  convention. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  St.  John's  Church,  Lex- 
ington County,  South  Carolina,  on  Thursday  before  the 
second  Sunday  in  October,  1876. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Godfrey  Dreher. — Rev.  Godfrey  Dreher  departed 
this  life  at  the  residence  of  his  son-in-law,  Rev.  Daniel  Efird,  at  Pine 
Ridge,  Lexington  County,  South  Carolina,  July  28,  1875;  aged  85 
years,  7  months,  and  24  days.  Funeral  services  were  rendered  and  a 
sermon  preached  at  the  said  residence,  by  Rev.  H.  W.  Kuhns,  from 
1  Thess.  4,  14,  in  the  presence  of  a  very  large,  sympathizing  congrega- 
tion. His  earthly  remains  were  then  conveyed,  in  solemn  procession, 
to  St.  Michael's  Church,  twelve  miles  distant,  where  another  sermon 
was  preached  by  the  same  minister  from  Psalm  71,  9,  at  the  request  of 
a  large  assembly,  which  had  gathered  there,  to  pay  the  last  tribute  of 
respect  to  departed  worth.  His  body  was  then  placed  in  the  grave,  to 
await  the  final  resurrection,  in  rear  of  the  pulpit  of  St.  Michael's, 
between  the  graves  of  Revs.  Wingard  and  D.  Dreher,  the  place  which 
he  had  selected  and  which  had  been  reserved  for  that  purpose, — a 
pulpit  which  he  had  filled  with  so  much  acceptance. 

He  entered  the  active  services  of  the  ministry  in  connection  with 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod  of  North  Carolina,  in  the  year  181 1, 
and  confined  his  labors  chiefly  to  ministerial  services  in  Lexington 
County,  South  Carolina,  in  a  community  generally  known  as  "Dutch 
Fork,"  where  he  labored  with  acceptance  and  success.  He  was  one 
of  the  first  ministers  who  preached  in  the  English  language  in  that 
community.  He  was  present  at  the  conference  which  met  in  St. 
Michael's  Church,  Lexington  County,  South  Carolina,  in  1824,  where 
and  when  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  South  Carolina  Synod  was  organ- 
ized, and  elected  as  president  of  that  synod.  At  that  time  the  paro- 
chial reports  show  that  he  had  six  churches  in  his  charge.  From 
that  time  till  1835,  he  was  elected  treasurer  of  synod,  successively 
each  year.  In  that  year,  the  constitution  of  the  synod  was  so  changed 
as  to  require  a  layman  to  fill  that  office.  About  the  year  1834,  some 
difficulties  and  differences  arose  in  the  synod  which  were  not  satisfac- 
torily adjusted.  In  1837,  he  met  a  committee  appointed  by  the  presi- 
dent of  the  synod,  to  meet  at  Lexington  Court  House,  South  Carolina, 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  201 

to  adjust  the  differences.  After  some  consultation,  he  was,  at  his 
request,  permitted  to  withdraw  from  the  synod  in  an  amicable  manner. 
Eight  congregations  went  with  him.  These  congregations  he  faith- 
fully and  zealously  served,  aided  occasionally  by  visiting  ministers 
and  such  other  assistance  as  he  could  command,  till  1851,  preaching 
as  many  as  two  sermons  on  three  of  the  Sundays  in  each  mouth, 
although  his  congregations  were  situated  a  very  considerable  distance 
from  his  place  of  residence,  and  from  five  to  eight  miles  distant  from 
each  other.  From  1 851  to  1854,  he  was  permanently  assisted  by  Rev. 
Daniel  Efird.  In  1854,  he  received  an  attack  of  paralysis. '  This  ended 
his  ministerial  career. 

He  was  always  regular  and  punctual  in  his  attendance  at  his 
appointments.  The  inclemency  of  the  weather  never  prevented  him 
from  filling  his  engagements  and  complying  with  his  obligations.  It 
seems  he  was  prompt  in  all  the  relations  of  life,  and  strong  in  his  con- 
victions. He  was  true  and  faithful,  zealous  and  energetic  in  the 
performance  of  his  duties.  He  was  a  man  of  excellent  native  powers 
and  abilities,  firm  and  indomitable.  As  a  minister,  he  was  earnest 
and  effective,  and  often,  and  especially  when  he  spoke  on  his  theme 
in  which  he  most  delighted,  "justification  by  Faith,"  he  grew  most 
eloquent  and  pathetic.  He  wielded  a  very  decided  and  beneficial  influ- 
ence in  the  community  in  which  he  labored.  He  contributed  liberally 
of  bis  temporal  means  towards  the  establishment  of  the  theological 
seminary  of  the  South  Carolina  Synod,  first  erected  at  Lexington 
Court  House,  South  Carolina.  As  a  man,  he  was  generous,  liberal, 
just,  kind,  and  affectionate  in  all  the  departments  of  life.  "He  now 
rests  from  his  labors,  and  his  works  do  follow  him." 

Fifty- sixth  Session. 

Synod  convened  in  St.  John's  Church,  Lexington 
County,  South    Carolina,  October  5,    1876. 

The  officers  chosen  were  :  Revs.  S.  Henkel,  president ; 
J.  M.  Smith,  recording  secretary;  J.  R.  Peterson,  corre- 
sponding secretary;  and  A.  J.  Fox,  treasurer. 

Rev.  J.  C.  Moser  and  H.  A.  Meetze  were  received  as 
advisory  members. 

St.  Matthew  Church,  King's  Mountain,  the  church  at 
Hickory,  North  Carolina,  St.  Thomas  Church,  South  Caro- 
lina, and  St.  Mark's,  Luray,  Virginia,  were  received. 

A  committee  of  three,  consisting  of  Revs.  J.  M.  Smith, 
J.  R.  Peterson,  and  A.  J.  Fox,  was  appointed  to  examine 


202  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

A.  L.  Yount,  and,  if  necessary,  to  ordain  him.  There  was 
also  a  committee  appointed  to  ordain  J.  W.  Hausenfluck,  if 
found  qualified. 

Rev.  J.  P.  Smeltzer,  D.  D.,  of  the  South  Carolina  Synod, 
was  received  as  a  corresponding  delegate  from  that  synod. 

The  committee,  appointed  to  prepare  a  paper  relative 
to  the  death  of  Rev.  Thomas  Crouse,  submitted  the  follow- 
ing, which  was  adopted  by  a  rising  vote  : 

Whereas,  God,  in  his  wise  Providence,  has  called  from 
his  labors  on  earth,  Rev.  T.  Crouse,  a  faithful  minister  of 
our  Synod,  to  his  rest  and  reward  on  high  ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  recognize  the  hand  of  God  herein, 
and  humbly  bow  to  his  righteous  ways,  that  we  cherish  his 
memory,  and  pray  God  for  grace,  that  we  may  meekly  sub- 
mit to  his  dispensation. 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be  published  in  "Our 
Church  Paper,'"  and  a  copy  be  sent  to  the  family  of  the  de- 
ceased. 

The  action  of  Synod  in  1864,  creating  the  license  sys- 
tem, was  rescinded,  a  committee  of  three  was  appointed  to 
prepare  and  submit  to  the  present  convention  of  this  Synod, 
a  plan  by  which  the  requirements  of  our  Constitution  in 
regard  to  the  candidates  for  the  ministry  in  their  period  of 
probation,  can  be  complied  with. 

This  committee,  not  being  able  to  submit  a  plan,  for 
the  want  of  time,  Revs.  A.  J.  Fox,  J.  R.  Peterson,  and  S. 
Henkel,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  give  this  matter 
proper  attention,  and  report  at  the  next  meeting. 

The  license  system  having  been  rescinded,  Messrs.  J. 
A.  Cromer  and  E.  L.  L,ybrand,  who  applied  for  license, 
were  requested  to  labor,  for  the  time  being,  under  some 
regular  pastor  or  pastors. 

The  committee  appointed  at  the  last  session  to  prepare 
Regulations  for  Missionary  Work,  submitted  the  following : 

Article  I.  There  shall  be  elected,  annually,  by  Synod, 
an  Executive  Committee  of  three,  or  five,  or  more  members, 
as  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  work  may  require,  who  shall 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  203 

hold  office  until  their  successors  shall  be  appointed.  Of 
this  committee,  the  Committee  on  Vacancies  shall  be  a 
member. 

Article  II.  This  Executive  Committee  shall  have 
charge  of  the  Missionary  work  between  the  conventions  of 
Synod.  They  shall  elect  one  of  their  number  Treasurer, 
who  shall  hold  and  disburse  the  missionary  moneys  accord- 
ing to  the  directions  of  the  committee.  The  Executive 
Committee  may  establish  or  discontinue  missions,  may 
employ  or  dismiss  missionaries,  and  shall  have  the  super- 
intendence and  control  of  all  missionary  operations  during 
their  time  of  office. 

Article  III.  This  committee  shall  hold  at  least  two 
meetings  during  the  year.  It  shall  keep  a  clear  and  correct 
account  of  all  its  transactions,  and  especially  of  all  moneys 
received  and  disbursed,  and  report  annually  to  Synod,  and 
be  prepared  with  vouchers  to  sustain  the  same,  which  re- 
port shall  be  recorded  by  the  Secretary  of  Synod. 

Article  IV.  All  moneys  collected  from  congregations 
or  otherwise,  and  donations  for  the  purpose  of  missions, 
shall  be  paid  over  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee, for  which  he  shall  give  his  receipt. 

Article  V.  Diligent  and  rigid  inquiry  shall  be  made 
as  to  the  condition  of  every  community,  and  the  prospects 
of  establishing  a  self-sustaining  congregation  or  pastorate 
whenever  application  shall  be  made  for  aid,  and  where  these 
are  not  favorable,  no  money  shall  be  expended  as  a  mere 
venture. 

Article  VI.  Every  pastor  in  connection  with  this 
Synod  shall  be  required  to  take  up  collections  in  each  of 
his  congregations,  annually,  in  the  most  judicious  manner, 
for  missions. 

Article  VII.  These  regulations  shall  be  subject  to 
amendment  at  any  meeting  of  Synod  after  giving  one  day's 
notice  of  the  proposed  amendment,  and  with  the  concur- 
rence of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present. 


204  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

Your  committee,  in  submitting  the  above  plan,  would 
call  the  attention  of  the  Synod  to  the  importance  of  concen- 
trated effort.  It  is  a  lesson  learned  after  a  dear  experience 
by  other  bodies,  and  they  are  now  centering  their  labors 
upon  a  few  places  until  they  make  them  self-supporting.  It 
is  found  to  be  far  better  to  make  large  appropriations  to  one 
point  and  assist  in  building  a  church  than  to  scatter  a  small 
fund  among  many. 

With  respect  to  the  Southern  General  Synod's  sugges- 
tion, that  this  Synod  reconsider  its  actions  declining  to 
unite  with  that  synod,  the  following  action  was  taken : 

Resolved,  That  under  existing  circumstances,  we  regard 
it  inexpedient  to  take  any  steps  either  toward  uniting  with 
or  in  any  way  committing  ourselves  to  any  one  of  the 
General  Lutheran  Bodies  in  this  country. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolution  were  passed : 

Whereas,  Prof.  Ben.  Hyde  Benton,  President  of  Poly- 
technic Institute,  at  New  Market,  Virginia,  has  kindly 
tendered  to  this  Synod  three  free  scholarships  in  that  Insti- 
tute, one  for  the  congregation  of  this  Synod  in  South  Caro- 
lina, and  two  for  our  Churches  in  North  Carolina,  upon 
condition  that  the  candidates  are  over  14  years  of  age,  and 
come  with  a  recommendation  from  one  of  the  ministers  of 
this  Synod, 

Resolved,  That  we  highly  appreciate  this  kind  offer 
and  most  cheerfully  accept  it,  and  tender  our  most  sincere 
thanks  to  the  kind  donor. 

The  baptisms  reported  were  544  infants  and  56  adults, 
and  325  confirmations. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Coble's  Church,  Guilford 
County,  North  Carolina,  November  8,  1877. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Thomas  Crouse. — Rev.  Thomas  Crouse  died 
April  11,  1S76,  at  12.30  P.  M.  He  was  born  in  Davidson  County, 
North  Carolina,  June  6,  1822. 

His  paternal  ancestors  came  from  Germany  to  Pennsylvania, 
thence  to  Forsyth  County,  North  Carolina,  where  Andrew  Crouse,  the 
father  of  the  deceased,  was  born.     He  married  a  Miss  Daniels,  whose 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  205 

parents  came  from  Ireland.  They  afterwards  settled  in  Davidson 
County,  North  Carolina,  where  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born. 
He  was  baptized  in  infancy,  in  Beck's  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church, 
where  he  afterwards  received  religious  instruction,  and  was  confirmed. 

He  received  his  literary  education  at  Prof.  Dusenberry's  school, 
Lexington,  North  Carolina,  and  his  theological  training  under  the 
direction  of  tutors.  He  entered  the  ministry  in  connection  with  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  in  1845,  and  continued  in  its 
work  until  his  death,  having  been  engaged  in  the  Master's  service 
about  31  years. 

Soon  after  he  began  his  work,  he  moved  to  Randolph  Count}', 
North  Carolina,  where  he  married  Barbara  Fox,  a  descendant,  through 
her  maternal  line,  from  one  of  the  Electors  of  Saxony.  She  died  in 
about  eight  years,  leaving  four  children.  He  afterwards  married  M. 
C.  Fox,  youngest  sister  of  Rev.  A.  J.  Fox,  M.  D.,  by  whom  one  son 
was  given  him. 

As  a  theologian,  he  was  a  sound  and  firm  defender  of  the  doctrines 
and  customs  of  the  old  type  of  Lutheranism.  As  a  preacher,  he  was 
attractive,  because  of  his  earnestness  of  manner,  clearness  of  thought, 
force  of  style,  and  persuasive  voice. 

He  labored  in  Guilford  and  Alamance,  and  organized  Melanch- 
thon,  the  only  Lutheran  Church  in  Randolph  County. 

In  1873,  he  moved  to  Davidson  County,  and  rebuilt  Beck's,  the 
church  of  his  youth,  of  which,  with  three  other  congregations,  he  was 
pastor  until  his  death.  His  last  sermon  was  preached  in  Beck's  Church, 
ten  days  before  he  died. 

Surveying  his  work,  we  are  convinced  that  he  was  a  "workman 
that  need  not  be  ashamed,"  and  that  he  has  many  jewels  in  his  crown. 

Fifty-seventh  Session. 

Synod  assembled  in  Coble's  Church,  Guilford  County, 
North  Carolina,  November  8,  1877. 

The  election  for  officers  resulted  in  favor  of  Revs.  S. 
Henkel,  D.  D.,  president ;  J.  Paul  Stirewalt,  recording 
secretary ;  M.  L,.  Little,  corresponding  secretary ;  and  D. 
Efird,  treasurer. 

Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel,  having  been  called  back  from 
Missouri  to  Conover,  North  Carolina,  to  lead  in  the  perma- 
nent establishment  of  a  school  of  a  high  grade,  at  the 
latter  place,  was  unanimously  received  into  Synod. 

Rev.  C.  H.  Bernheim,  corresponding  delegate  from  the 
North  Carolina  Synod,  was  received. 


2o6  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGEXrCAI, 

On  Sunday,  the  new  church  erected  to  take  the  place 
of  the  old  Coble  Church,  was  dedicated,  Rev.  S.  Henkel, 
D.  D.,  preaching  the  sermon,  and  Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel  lead- 
ing in  the  dedicatory  services. 

It  was  moved,  that  when  Synod  adjourn,  it  adjourn  to 
meet  in  St.  Matthew  Church,  Shenandoah  County,  Virginia, 
on  Thursday  before  the  first  Sunday  in  September,  1878. 

Rev.  C.  H.  Bernheim,  corresponding  delegate  of  the 
North  Carolina  Synod,  conveyed  to  this  Synod  in  a  few 
pertinent  remarks,  the  fraternal  greetings  and  kindly  feel- 
ings of  the  North  Carolina  Synod,  and  was  appropriately 
replied  to  by  Rev.  S.  Henkel,  D.  D. 

Rev.  A.  L,.  Yount,  having  left  the  bounds  of  this  Synod, 
having  received  a  call  from  a  congregation  at  Murphysboror 
Illinois,  was  requested  to  return  to  Synod  the  amount  he 
had  received  from  it  as  a  beneficiary,  not  having  labored  in 
the  bounds  of  the  Synod  anything  like  the  length  of  time 
the  regulations  of  the  Beneficiary  Society  of  Synod  required 
from  its  beneficiaries.  This  he  did ;  that  is,  refunded  it  in 
due  time. 

On  motion,   the    President   appointed   a  committee  of 
three  to  prepare  rules  and  regulations  for  the  government 
of  beneficiaries,  to  report   at  the  next  meeting  of  Synod. 
Committee — Revs.  A.  J.  Fox,  J.  M.  Smith,  and  Mr.  M.  L. 
Cline. 

The  reports  show  that  during  this  year  585  infants  and 
56  adults  were  baptized,  and  471  persons  were  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  at  the  time  and  place  already 
indicated. 

Fifty -eighth  Session. 

This  meeting  convened  in  St.  Matthew  Church,  Shen- 
andoah County,  Virginia,  August  29,  1878. 

The  officers  of  this  convention  were  Revs.  P.  C.  Henkel, 
president;  L.  A.  Fox,  recording  secretary;  A.  J.  Fox,  cor- 
responding secretary;  and  J.  Paul  Stirewalt,  treasurer. 

The  congregation  at  Conover,  Catawba  Coupty,  North 
Carolina,  was  received. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  207 

A  committee  of  three  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  plan 
for  missionary  work.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  ex- 
amine Mr.  A.  R.  Yoder. 

Rev.  V.  R.  Stickle}',  corresponding  delegate  of  the 
North  Carolina  Synod,  was  received. 

Rev.  A.  J.  Fox,  M.  D.,  read  the  Regulations  for  the 
•Government  of  Synod  in  the  work  of  Beneficiary  Education. 
It  is  too  long  for  insertion  here.  It  may  be  found  in  Min- 
utes of  1878. 

The  committee,  appointed  to  prepare  resolutions  on  the 
death  of  Rev.  Henry  Goodman,  presented  the  following, 
which  was  adopted,  the  Synod  rising  : 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  Almighty  God,  in  his  wise 
Providence,  to  remove  Rev.  Henry  Goodman  from  his  labors 
on  earth  to  his  reward  in  heaven, 

Resolved  1.  That  in  the  death  of  Father  Goodman,  the 
Church  has  lost  an  earnest,  faithful,  and  zealous  laborer  in 
his  Master's  vineyard  ; 

Resolved  2.  That  we  bow  in  humble  submission  to  him 
who  doth  all  things  well ; 

Resolved  3.  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to 
<l  Oar  Church  Paper"  for  publication  ; 

Resolved  4.  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to 
the  relatives  of  the  deceased  family. 

Rev.  Thomas  Miller  having  asked  for  an  honorable 
dismission  to  the  Virginia  Synod,  it  was  granted. 

Rev.  V.  Stickley  conveyed  to  this  Synod  the  fraternal 
greetings  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod,  and  was  replied  to 
in  a  few  pertinent  remarks  by  Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel. 

Messrs.  Eli  Lot  Lybrand  and  James  Albert  Cromer, 
Columbia,  South  Carolina,  and  Jacob  Killian  Efird  were 
ordained.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  an  obitu- 
ary on  Rev.  H.  Goodman. 

The  reports  show  that  438  infants  and  103  adults  were 
baptized,  and  178  persons  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  St.  James  Church,  Summit. 


2o8  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

Lexington  County,  South    Carolina,  Thursday  before  the 
third  Sunday  in  November,  1879. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Henry  Goodman. — The  subject  of  this  notice 
was  the  son  of  Michael  and  Elizabeth  Goodman  (Guthmann),  born 
April  9th,  1798,  was  baptized  in  infancy,  and  in  the  year  1819,  entered 
into  full  communion  with  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  by  the 
imposition  of  hands  and  prayer,  by  Rev.  Daniel  Scherer,  at  St.  John's 
Church,  Cabarrus  County,  North  Carolina. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach  by  Revs.  Daniel  Moser  and  David 
Henkel,  on  the  29th  of  November,  1830,  and  preached  his  first  sermon 
on  the  19th  of  December,  following,  at  his  uncle's,  George  Goodman, 
in  Cabarrus  County,  North  Carolina. 

He  was  ordained  by  Revs.  Philip  Henkel,  Adam  Miller,  and  Daniel 
Moser,  in  Buehler's  Church,  Sullivan  County,  Tennessee,  September 
13th,  1832. 

During  the  whole  of  his  ministry,  as  also  before  entering  the 
ministry,  he  labored  faithfully  in  defence  of  the  pure  Confessions  of 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  ;  often,  especially  in  the  early  strug- 
gles of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod  for  the  pure  faith 
of  the  Church  of  the  Reformation,  sacrificing  much  time  as  well  as 
other  means,  to  forward  the  work  in  this  great  crisis. 

He  preached  his  last  sermon  on  the  4th  Sunday  of  November, 
1877,  in  Sharon  Church,  Iredell  County,  North  Carolina,  from  1  John 
5,  7,  8. 

The  subject  of  the  above  notice  died  at  his  late  residence  in  Iredell 
County,  North  Carolina,  on  the  morning  of  the  26th  of  January,  1878  ; 
aged  79  years,  9  months,  and  17  days ;  his  consort  having  been  called 
to  her  reward  October  17th,  1876  ;  aged  74  years,  8  months,  and  22  days. 

His  perishable  remains  were  deposited  in  the  cemetery  at  St. 
Martin's  Church,  Iredell  County,  North  Carolina,  on  the  next  day 
after  his  departure  from  this  life ;  and  notwithstanding  the  day  was 
very  rainy,  a  large  concourse  of  people  assembled  to  take  a  last  view 
and  to  sympathize  with  the  many  relatives  whose  faces  were  bathed 
in  tears,  but  in  hopeful  resignation  to  the  will  of  Him  who  had  taken 
His  faithful  servant  home. 

After  the  burial  service  ended,  the  many  relatives  and  friends  of 
the  deceased  repaired  to  the  church  to  hear  the  funeral  sermon,  by  Rev. 
P.  C.  Henkel,  based  on  2  Tim.  4,  7,  8. 

Fifty-ninth    Session.  ■  . 

This  convention   met  in  St.  James   Church,    Summit, 
Lexington  County,  South  Carolina,  November  13,  1879. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  209 

In  the  election  for  officers,  the  following  were  chosen  : 
Revs.  J.  R.  Peterson,  president ;  M.  L.  Little,  recording 
secretary;  J.  M.  Smith,  corresponding  secretary;  S.  Henkel, 
treasurer;  and  T.  Moser,  treasurer  of  beneficiary  fund. 

St.  Michael's  Church,  Cleburne  County,  Alabama,  and 
St.  Andrew's  Church,  Richland  County,  South  Carolina, 
were  received. 

Rev.  J.  Hawkins,  corresponding  delegate  of  the  South 
Carolina  Synod,  was  received,  and  Rev.  A.  D.  L,.  Moser,  of 
the  same  synod,  was  invited  to  a  seat.  * 

On  motion,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  report  some 
plan  by  which  the  Synod's  Mission  Work  may  be  trans- 
ferred to  the  Conferences.  Committee — Revs.  J.  C.  Moser, 
E.  Iy.  Lybrand,  and  P.  Killian,  Esq. 

On  their  report,  the  Mission  Work  of  the  Synod  was 
transferred  to  the  Conferences  in  connection  with  the  Synod. 

Messrs.  Thomas  E.  Armentrout,  McGaheysville,  Vir- 
ginia, and  D.  A.  Sox,  Reeder's  Store,  Lexington  County, 
South  Carolina,  were  received  as  beneficiary  students ;  and 
appropriations  were  made  for  their  benefit. 

The  retiring  president  having  recommended  the  pro- 
priety of  Synod  giving  an  expression  in  regard  to  the  "Four 
Points,"  as  they  are  called,  the  committee  on  said  report, 
Revs.  S.  Henkel,  J.  M.  Smith,  and  A.  Costner,  Esq.,  sub- 
mitted the  following  relative  to  these  matters,  which  was 
adopted : 

Whereas,  This  Synod  is  invested  only  with  advisory 
power;  and 

Whereas,  The  general  policy  of  this  Synod  has  not 
been  to  encourage  such  doctrines,  worship,  or  fellowship, 
be  it 

Resolved  1.  That  this  Synod,  as  we  have,  so  far  as  we 
know,  no  minister  now  in  affiliation  with  such  societies,  we 
advise  all  who  may  be  looking  to  the  office  of  the  ministry 
in  connection  with  this  Synod,  not  to  associate  or  hold 
fellowship  with  any  societies  that  practice  a  deistic  worship 
or  service,  to  the  disparagement  of  the  adoration  due  Jesus 


2IO  HISTORY   OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

Christ,  or  that  comes  in  conflict  with  the  orthodox  worship 
of  the  church,  or  that  set  up  a  plan  of  salvation  coming  in 
conflict  with  that  set  forth  in  Divine  Revelation,  through 
the  Savior,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  the  Mediator  between 
God  and  man  ;  as  it  is  the  sentiment  of  this  Synod  that 
such  could  not  be  received. 

2.  That  we  regard  these  matters  as  subjects  for  inves- 
tigation and  instruction,  and  our  ministers  are  advised  to 
give  such  information  as  they  may  deem  proper,  when  it  is 
desired. 

With  respect  to  altar  and  pulpit  fellowship,  it  is  the 
sentiment  of  this  Synod,  that  our  ministers  and  people  ad- 
here to  the  practice  set  forth  in  the  Confessions  of  the 
Church,  using  all  necessary  precaution,  prudence,  and 
judiciousness  in  the  exercise  of  such  privileges,  lest  the 
sacredness  of  the  altar  and  pulpit  be  violated,  or  the  con- 
sciences of  any  be  oppressed,  and  reference  should  always 
be  had  to  the  preparation  designated  in  the  Augsburg  Con- 
fession, Article  eleven,  and  in  Luther's  Catechism,  where 
it  is  said,  "Let  a  man  examine  himself,"  etc.,  and  "He 
only  is  truly  worthy  and  well  prepared,  who  has  faith  in 
these  words,"  etc. 

In  regard  to  Chiliasm,  we  would  simply  say,  it  is 
clearly  rejected  in  the  17th  Article  of  the  Augsburg  Con- 
fession. 

IV.  Relative  to  the  allusion  in  the  President's  report, 
to  certain  articles  in  the  Constitution  of  Synod,  we  would 
simply  remark,  that  organic  laws  should  be  seldom  changed, 
and  as  no  proposition  has  been  made,  in  accordance  with 
the  8th  Article  of  said  constitution,  for  any  change  or  alter- 
ation, no  action  is  required  on  the  part  of  the  Synod. 

V.  With  respect  to  the  matter  of  revising  and  publish- 
ing our  Church  Hymn-Book,  we  deem  the  action  taken  by 
our  Synod  last  year,  all  that  we  could  recommend. 

This  paper  is  usually  designated  the  Summit  Rule. 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  211 

Sixtieth   Session. 

This  meeting  of  Synod  was  held  in  St.  Peter's  Church, 
Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,  commencing  November 
ii,  1880. 

The  officers,  elected  for  the  ensuing  year,  were  Rev.  S. 
Henkel,  D.  D.,  president;  Rev.  J.  C.  Moser,  recording 
secretary;  Rev.  J.  R.  Peterson,  corresponding  secretary; 
and  Rev.  J.  M.  Smith,  treasurer. 

Candidates  W.  P.  Cline,  D.  J.  Settlemyre,  W.  A.  Smith, 
J.  A.  Rudisill,  and  J.  B.  Fox,  were  invited  to  seats  as  ad- 
visory members. 

Appropriations  were  made  for  beneficiaries. 

Rev.  C.  H.  Bernheim,  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod, 
was  received  as  an  advisory  member. 

Amendments  to  the  Constitution  having  been  proposed 
on  the  day  previous,  a  committee  of  four  was  appointed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  proposed  amendments. 

After  this  committee  reported,  and  several  of  the 
amendments  had  been  considered,  the  matter  was  postponed 
until  the  next  meeting  of  Synod. 

Rev.  C.  H.  Bernheim,  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod, 
having  presented  a  letter  of  honorable  dismission  from  that 
synod  to  this  Synod,  was  unanimously  received  as  a  mem- 
ber of  Synod. 

The  following  action  was  taken  with  respect  to  the 
reception  of  Concordia  High  School,  located  at  Conover, 
Catawba  County,  North  Carolina : 

Whereas,  The  trustees  of  Concordia  High  School, 
Conover,  North  Carolina,  have  made  a  proposition  to  Synod 
to  take  this  Institution  under  her  care  and  supervision,  and 

Whereas,  It  is  the  desire  and  wish  of  this  Synod  to 
have  an  institution  of  learning  in  her  connection,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  three,  on  the  part  of 
Synod,  be  appointed  to  confer  with  the  trustees  of  said 
school,  and  prepare  an  agreement  which  may  serve  as  a 
basis  upon  which  said  school  may  become  the  recognized 


212  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

institution  of  Synod,  and  that  this  committee  be  required 
to  report  to  the  next  session  of  Synod. 

Resolved,  further,  That  we  hereby  recommend  Concor- 
dia High  School  to  the  members  of  our  Church,  and  to  the 
public  generally,  as  a  school  of  meritorious  character. 

The  President  appointed  the  following  persons  on  this 
committee  :  Revs.  J.  C.  Moser,'  J.  R.  Peterson,  and  C.  H. 
Bernheim.  On  motion,  A.  Costner,  Esq.,  and  Mr.  C.  T. 
Sigman  were  added  to  this  committee. 

The  Missionar)-  Work  of  the  Synod  having  been  trans- 
ferred to  the  Conferences  of  the  Synod,  the  regulations  of 
the  Synod  relative  to  such  work,  were  repealed. 

During  this  synodical  year,  641  infants  and  27  adults 
were  baptized,  and  227  persons  confirmed. 

The  time  fixed  for  the  next  meeting  was  Saturday  be- 
fore the  second  Sunday  in  September,  1881,  and  the  place, 
Emmanuel  Church,  New  Market,  Shenandoah  County, 
Virginia. 

During  this  decade,  there  were  12  applicants  for  the 
ministry,  and  6  beneficiaries  received,  12  ordained,  4  re- 
ceived on  letters,  3  dismissed  to  other  synods,  the  names  of 
4  dropped,  1  church  dismissed,  2  ministers  licensed,  1  min- 
ister died,  13  churches  were  received,  5,432  infants  and  497 
adults  baptized,  and  3,378  confirmed.  The  reports  in  re- 
gard to  baptisms  and  confirmations  were  not  generally  full. 

SEVENTH    DECADE. 

Sixty -first  Session. 

This  session  of  Synod  convened  in  Emmanuel  Church, 
New  Market,  Shenandoah  County,  Virginia,  September 
10,  1881. 

The  officers  elected  were  Revs.  A.  J.  Fox,  M.  D.,  presi- 
dent;  L,.  A.  Fox,  D.  D.,  secretary;  J.  M.  Smith,  corre- 
sponding secretary;  and  S.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  treasurer. 

Rev.  J.  A.  Snyder,  of  the  Virginia  Synod,  and  Rev.  H. 
Wetzel,  were  received  as  advisory  members. 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  213 

A  committee  was  appointed,  on  motion,  to  inquire  into 
the  expediency  of  placing  monuments  at  the  graves  of  Rev. 
Ambrose  Henkel,  at  New  Market,  Virginia,  and  Rev.  Philip 
Henkel,  at  Richland  Church,  Randolph  County,  North 
Carolina.     Committee — Revs.    A.   J.   Fox  and  S.   Henkel. 

Prof.  J.  S.  Koiner  was  invited  to  a  seat  within  the  bar 
of  Synod. 

The  committee  on  reception  of  Concordia  High  School 
not  being  prepared  to  report,  the  committee,  consisting  of 
Revs.  J.  C.  Moser,  S.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  C.  H.  Bernheim,  and 
Messrs.  A.  Costner  and  C.  T.  Sigman,  was  continued. 

Appropriations  were  made  for  two  beneficiary  students. 

The  consideration  of  the  proposed  amendments  to  the 
constitution,  was  postponed  till  the  next  convention. 

Prof.  J.  S.  Koiner,  after  sustaining  a  regular  examina- 
tion, was  ordained. 

The  committee,  appointed  to  report  on  the  recommen- 
dation of  the  Committee  on  the  President's  Report,  in  regard 
to  awaking  a  greater  interest  in  Beneficiary  Education, 
submitted  the  following : 

That  a  committee  of  one  be  appointed  in  each  confer- 
ence, whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  call,  by  correspondence  or 
otherwise,  attention  to  the  duties  relative  to  this  important 
matter,  urging  the  congregations,  through  the  ministers,  or 
in  any  other  way,  to  consider  the  propriety  of  aiding  with 
their  substance  this  much  needed  work,  by  contributing 
liberally;  or  to  devise  some  systematic  plan  for  raising 
means  for  such  purpose,  putting  them  in  remembrance  of 
these  duties  and  privileges. 

Relative  to  the  colored  people,  or  freedmen,  the  fol- 
lowing action  was  taken : 

Resolved,  That  the  ministers  of  this  Synod  make  all 
efforts  in  their  power  to  educate  religiously  the  colored  peo- 
ple, by  preaching,  lecturing,  and  catechisation,  with  a  view 
sooner  or  later  of  getting  men  of  their  own  color  to  look 
after  the  spiritual  interests  of  their  race  in  connection  with 
the  Lutheran  Church. 


214  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

During  this  year,  the  Parochial  Report  shows  494  in- 
fant and  32  adult  baptisms,  and  168  confirmations. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  St.  Jacob's  Church,  Lex- 
ington County,  South  Carolina,  Saturday  before  the  third 
Sunday  in  October,  1882. 

Sixty-second  Session. 

This  meeting  was  held  in  St.  Jacob's  Church,  Lexing- 
ton County,  South  Carolina,  commencing  October  14,  1882. 

The  officers  elected  were  Revs.  S.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  presi- 
dent ;  J.  Paul  Stirewalt,  secretary  ;  J.  M.  Smith,  correspond- 
ing secretary  ;  and  M.  L.  Little,  treasurer. 

The  committee,  appointed  at  the  last  session,  to  ordain 
D.  A.  Goodman,  if  found  qualified,  reported  that  the}T  had 
ordained  him  ;  and  so  too,  in  regard  to  the  ordination  of  W. 
P.  Cline.  The  names  of  Goodman  and  Cline  were  ordered 
to  be  enrolled  in  the  clerical  catalogue  of  Synod. 

The  consideration  of  the  amendments  proposed  to  the 
Constitution,  was  postponed  to  the  next  meeting  of  S}mod. 

The  President  having  called,  in  his  report,  attention 
to  the  death  of  Rev.  John  S.  Bennick,  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  prepare  suitable  resolutions  relative  to  that 
matter.  At  the  proper  time  the  following  paper  was  pre- 
sented and  adopted  : 

We,  your  committee,  appointed  to  prepare  suitable  reso- 
lutions, have  adopted  the  following  : 

Whereas,  It  hath  pleased  Almighty  God,  in  his  all- 
wise  Providence,  to  remove  our  lamented  brother,  J.  S. 
Bennick,  from  his  work  on  earth  to  his  reward  in  heaven  ; 
be  it 

Resolved  1.  That  we  bow  in  humble  submission  to  the 
will  of  Him  who  doth  all  things  well. 

Resolved  2.  In  his  death,  the  Church  militant  has  lost 
a  most  efficient  and  faithful  laborer. 

Resolved  3.  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  spread 
upon  the  face  of  the  Minutes,  and  that  one  page  be  devoted 
to  his  memory. 


XXTTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  215 

Resolved  4.  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to 
his  bereaved  family. 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  Shenandoah  County,  Cedar  Point 
Church,  and  Alma  Fairview  Church,  Page  County,  Virginia, 
and  Killian's,  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,  were  re- 
ceived. 

Rev.  P.  Miller  conveyed  to  Synod  the  fraternal  greet- 
ings of  the  South  Carolina  Synod,  and,  at  the  request  of  the 
President,  Rev.  A.  J.  Fox  replied  in  a  few  pertinent  remarks. 

Rev.  A.  Lr.  Crouse  offered  the  following  : 

Resolved^  That  we  recommend  "Grades  in  the  Minis- 
try, "  a  book  by  the  late  Rev.  Jacob  Stirewalt,  to  the  careful 
study  and  impartial  examination  of  our  people,  both  clerical 
and  lay. 

Synod  having  been  informed,  that  a  committee  of  two 
ministers  and  one  layman,  was  appointed  to  meet  and  confer 
with  a  similar  committee  from  this  Synod,  in  regard  to  such 
territory  as  may  be  in  dispute  between  the  two  Synods, 
Revs.  A.J.  Fox,  P.  C.  Henkel,  and  Mr.  A.  Costner,  were  ap- 
pointed to  confer  with  a  committee,  appointed  by  the  North 
Carolina  Synod,  in  regard  to  such  territory  as  may  interlap 
between  the  two  Synods. 

The  following  resolutions  were  passed  : 

Resolved,  That  it  be  the  duty  of  our  ministers  to  obtain 
the  number  of  baptized  persons,  infants  and  adults,  as  well 
as  that  of  the  communicant  members,  and  report  the  result 
of  their  efforts  to  the  next  session  of  Synod,  with  a  view  to 
arranging  our  Parochial  Report,  so  as  to  give  the  whole 
strength  of  our  Synod,  by  adding  a  column  for  the  insertion 
of  such  members. 

Resolved,  That  until  otherwise  ordered,  at  the  future 
meetings  of  this  Synod,  Sunday  afternoons  shall  be  devoted 
to  Sunday-school  work  ;  and  the  pastors  loci  where  synodical 
meetings  are  held  are  charged  with  the  duty  of  making  the 
necessary  arrangements,  to  give  interest  and  effect  to  these 
services. 

Whereas,  It  is  meet  and  right,  that  the  dignity,  sacred- 


2l6  HISTORY  OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

ness,  and  solemnity  of  the  ministerial  office  be  preserved 
and  perpetuated,  and  in  order  that  it  may  not  be  lowered 
and  disparaged,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  Synod  recommend,  that  all  applicants 
for  examination  and  ordination,  and  for  whom  there  are 
petitions  to  Synod  from  a  congregation,  or  congregations, 
praying  for  such  examination  and  ordination,  and  extend- 
ing a  call  or  a  request  for  pastoral  services  on  the  part  of 
the  subject  of  such  petition  or  petitions,  appear  at  some 
session  of  this  Synod,  prepared  to  submit  to  such  examina- 
tion, and,  if  found  qualified,  to  receive  such  ordination,  and 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sentiment  of  this  Synod,  that 
this  recommendation  should  be  acquiesced  in,  in  all  possi- 
ble cases,  as  the  order  of  Synod  in  all  ordinary  cases. 

Mr.  J.  P.  Price,  of  Lexington  County,  South  Carolina, 
was  received  as  a  student  for  the  ministry.  Appropriations 
were  made  for  two  beneficiaries. 

The  following  paper  was  read  before  Synod  and  dis- 
cussed to  a  limited  extent : 

Whereas,  The  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  S3<nod 
has  in  time  past  held  aloof  from  direct  connection  with  other 
Lutheran  bodies  in  this  country,  from  reasons  patent  and 
well  known  to  all  persons  acquainted  with  her  history  ;  and 
since  said  reasons  have  been  dispelled  by  other  bodies,  plant- 
ing themselves  on  the  same  basis  as  ourselves ;  and 

Whereas,  In  union  and  co-operative  energy  there  is 
resistless  strength  ;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee 
Synod,  now  in  convention  assembled,  do  adopt  the  Consti- 
tution of  "The.  Evangelical  Lutheran  General  Synod  in 
North  America,"  and  do  elect  a  delegation,  proportioned 
according  to  Article  II.  of  said  Constitution,  to  represent 
this  Synod  in  the  next  regular  convention  of  said  General 
Synod,  to  sit  in  the  city  of  Charleston,  in  April  proximo. 

In  regard  to  it  the  following  action  was  taken  : 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  217 

Whereas,  A  paper  is  before  Synod,  asking  Synod  to 
take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  effecting  some  con- 
nection with  the  Southern  Evangelical  Lutheran  General 
Synod  ;  and 

Whereas,  This  is  a  matter  which  requires  careful  and 
matured  consideration,  hence,  in  view  of  the  late  hour  of 
this  session  of  Synod,  in  which  the  said  paper  was  offered, 
be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  paper  be  deferred  to  our  next 
annual  session  of  Synod,  for  consideration. 

A  motion  was  made,  and  prevailed,  to  enroll  all  the 
churches  in  connection  with  this  Synod. 

During  the  past  year,  according  to  the  Parochial  Re- 
port, 38  adults  and  675  infants  were  baptized,  and  361 
persons  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  the  Chapel  of  Concordia 
College,  Conover,  North  Carolina,  October  13,  1883. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  John  Silvanus  Bennick. — Rev.  John  Silvanus 
Bennick,  after  several  days  confinement  to  his  bed,  departed  this  life 
at  8  P.  M.,  on  March  22,  1882  ;  aged  44  years,  5  months  and  29  days. 

He  was  born,  a  son  of  Philip  J.  and  Susan  [nee  Henkel)  Bennick, 
in  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,  and  came  to  New  Market,  Shen- 
andoah County,  Virginia,  in  the  year  1859,  where  he  entered  the  New 
Market  Academy,  and  pursued  a  literary  course  with  a  view  to  the 
Gospel  ministry. 

In  September,  1861,  he  entered  the  Confederate  Army,  in  the 
infantry  service,  in  which  he  continued  till  the  surrender.  As  soon  as 
he  returned  from  the  army,  he  resumed  his  literary  branches,  and  en- 
tered on  a  theological  course  of  study  under  the  supervision  of  Rev.  S. 
Henkel,  D.  D. 

He  entered  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel  in  the  year  1866,  still,  how- 
ever, pursuing  his  regular  course  of  studies  under  the  direction  of  his 
preceptor,  until  he  wasawell  indoctrinated.  After  the  death  of  the  late, 
lamented  Rev.  Jacob  Stirewalt,  he  received  a  regular  call  to  that  charge, 
and  continued  to  labor  in  it  most  successfully  and  efficiently  till  June, 
1880,  when  his  health  and  strength  partially  failed.  From  this  date, 
his  charge  being  unwilling  to  accept  his  resignation,  he  continued  to 
serve  it,  with  occasional  interruptions,  however,  till  August,  1S81.  In 
September,  1881,  he  tendered  his  resignation,  after  which  he  performed 
few  ministerial  acts.     He  was  most  actively  and  energetically  engaged 


2l8  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

in  the  work  of  the  ministry  for  15  years.  Besides  serving  his  large 
charge,  he  performed  considerable  missionary  labor,  often  preaching 
on  week  days. 

Three  excellent  church  edifices  of  modern  style  were  erected  in 
his  charge  during  his  ministry,  and  one  congregation  organized,  and 
an  ordinary  church  erected  for  its  occupancy.  His  ministerial  acts, 
in  regard  to  baptisms — infant  and  adult — confirmations,  funerals,  &c, 
were  numerous.  The  number  of  marriage  ceremonies  performed  was 
one  hundred  and  sixty-five. 

He  was  a  grandson  of  Rev.  David  Henkel,  one  of  the  founders  of 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  and  a  nephew  of  Revs.  P. 
C.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  and  S.  Henkel,  D.  D. 

He  was  naturally  endowed  with  all  the  traits,  qualities,  and  facul- 
ties so  essential  to  the  office  of  the  ministry,  and  these  with  liberal 
attainments  and  indomitable  energy,  fidelity,  and  perseverance,  gave 
him  that  success  which  so  signally  crowned  his  efforts. 

On  December  22,  1867,  he  entered  into  the  holy  estate  of  matri- 
mony with  Miss  Elizabeth  Emma,  only  living  daughter  of  the  late 
Peter  J.  and  Elizabeth  Wise  of  Rockingham  County,  Virginia. 

His  funeral  services  were  rendered  in  Emmanuel  Evangelical  Lu- 
theran Church,  New  Market,  Va.,  and  his  body  appropriately  interred 
in  the  cemetery  of  said  church,  in  the  midst  of  a  large  and  sympathiz- 
ing concourse  of  people  from  the  town  and  country.  The  services 
were  rendered  and  a  suitable  sermon  preached  by  Rev.  J.  Paul  Stire- 
walt,  accompanied  with  appropriate  remarks  and  prayer  by  Rev.  J.  A. 
Snyder. 

Thus  a  faithful  laborer  in  the  vineyard  of  Christ  has  been  removed 
from  the  church  militant  to  the  church  triumphant,  to  enjoy  that  crown 
of  life  secured  by  the  Savior  for  all  the  faithful. 

Sixty-third  Session. 

This  session  of  Synod  convened  in  the  Chapel  of  Con- 
cordia College,  Conover,  North  Carolina,  October  13,  1883. 

The  officers  were  Revs.  J.  R.  Peterson,  president ;  A. 
L.  Crouse,  secretary;  C.  H.  Bernheim,  corresponding  secre- 
tary; and  J.  N.  Stirewalt,  treasurer. 

Revs.  A.  L.  Yount,  of  the  Pittsburgh  Synod,  andM.  J. 
Stirewalt,  of  the  Indiana  Synod,  were  received  as  advisory 
members. 

The  following  candidates  for  the  ministry,  J.  A.  Rudi- 
sill,  D.  J.  Settlemyre,  D.  A.  Sox,  Profc  J.  F.  Moser,  and  P. 
C.  Wike,  were  invited  to  seats. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  219 

Rev.  H.  M.  Brown,  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod,  and 
Mr.  W.  S.  Shepherd,  student  of  the  South  Carolina  Synod, 
were  invited  to  seats. 

The  committee,  appointed  to  meet  a  similar  committee 
of  the  North  Carolina  Synod,  to  make  some  arrangements 
to  prevent  conflicts  in  church  work,  submitted  the  following 
report,  which  was  adopted  : 

Your  committee  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  : 
After  some  epistolary  correspondence  between  the  chairmen 
of  the  respective  committees,  in  regard  to  the  duty  assigned 
them — the  members  of  the  committees  from  their  respective 
synods,  met  in  the  town  of  Hickory,  Catawba  County, 
North  Carolina,  in  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  in 
that  place,  on  the  27th  day  of  March,  1883.  An  organiza- 
tion was  effected  by  electing  Rev.  A.  J.  Fox,  M.  D.,  Presi- 
dent, and  Rev.  L.  A.  Bikle,  D.  D.,  Secretary.  The  meeting 
was  a  very  cordial  one — the  discussions  fraternal  and  re- 
spectful, and  the  decisions  prompt  and  unanimous. 

The  following  paper  was  presented,  carefully  considered, 
and  adopted  by  items,  and  then  with  great  readiness  and 
unanimity,  it  was  adopted  as  a  whole  : 

"We,  the  undersigned  committees,  appointed  by  the 
North  Carolina  and  Tennessee  Synods,  at  their  sessions  in 
1882,  respectfully  submit  the  following  as  the  conclusions 
and  results  of  our  deliberations  at  Hickory,  North  Carolina, 
on  the  27th  of  March,  1883,  relative  to  the  important  matter 
placed  in  our  hands.  The  object  of  our  meeting  being  to 
mature  and  to  submit,  for  the  consideration  of  and  the 
adoption  by  said  Synods  in  convention  assembled,  some 
expedient,  judicious,  equitable  plan,  or  policy,  to  prevent — 
between  these  Synods  in  their  efforts  to  extend  the  Redeem- 
er's Kingdom  in  the  occupancy  of  places,  the  establishment 
of  missions,  the  erection  of  church  edifices,  the  organization 
of  congregations,  etc., — conflicts  calculated  to  disparage  the 
efforts  at  and  the  prosperity  of  such  places,  establishments, 
erections,  organizations,  etc.,  as  are  already  occupied  and 
inaugurated  by  the  one  or  the  other  of  these  Synods,   and 


220  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

in  process  of  existence,  we  submit  the  subjoined  plan  or 
policy  as  practicable  and  effective  : 

i.  That  inasmuch  as  the  aforesaid  Synods  confess,  and 
teach  in  accordance  with  the  confessional  basis  of  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  as  set  forth  in  her  Symbols, 
and  so  long  as  these  Synods  shall  thus  confess  and  teach, 
neither  Synod,  in  its  efforts  to  promote  the  Gospel  and 
cause  of  Christ,  shall  occupy  places,  erect  churches,  estab- 
lish missions,  organize  congregations,  etc.,  where  such 
things  have  already  been  done  or  instituted  by  the  otner, 
in  villages  or  towns  whose  inhabitants  do  not  exceed  2,000; 
and,  so  too,  in  regard  to  churches  and  church  work  in  the 
country  or  communities,  as  due  respect  should  be  paid  to 
locations  at  a  reasonable  distance,  in  order  to  prevent  con- 
flict of  interest  by  the  inauguration  of  such  efforts  too  nearly 
contiguous. 

2.  That  in  towns  or  cities  the  number  of  whose  inhab- 
itants shall  exceed  2,000,  or  shall  be  large  enough  to  sup- 
port two  or  more  Lutheran  Churches,  it  may  be  advantageous 
and  proper  for  both  Synods  to  operate  without  any  view  of 
conflict  or  infringement. 

3.  That  when  or  where  the  one  Synod  has  a  member 
or  members  residing  in  a  community,  village,  or  town, 
already  occupied  by  the  other  Synod,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  that  Synod,  having  such  member  or  members,  to  advise 
the  same  to  unite  with  those  of  the  Lutheran  faith  already 
engaged  in  the  Redeemer's  work  in  such   town  or  village. 

4.  That  in  all  proper  efforts  to  promote  the  interests  of 
the  Church,  friendly  Christian  relations  between  the  two 
Synods  shall  be  maintained  and  cherished,  each  respecting 
the  rights  of  the  other,  as  it  becomes  Christians  to  do  in 
the  dissemination  of  the  Gospel,  and  in  the  promotion  of 
the  Church. 

This  paper  was  subscribed  by  each  member  of  the  re- 
spective committees,  as  follows :  L-  A.  Bikle,  S.  Rothrock, 
D.  R.  Hoover,  Committee  of  North  Carolina  Synod  ;  A.  J. 


U7THERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  221 

Fox,  P.  C.  Henkel,  Ambrose  Costner,   Committee  of  Ten- 
nessee Synod. 

Inasmuch  as  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod  of  North 
Carolina  has,  in  her  late  annual  convention,  adopted  these 
articles  of  agreement,  your  committee  most  respectfully 
recommends  therr  unanimous  adoption  by  this  Synod. 

In  regard  to  a  letter,  signed  by  G.  L.  Hunt,  M.  L. 
Carpenter,  D.  C.  Huffman,  C.  H.  L.  Schuette,  making  a 
formal  request  to  meet  in  a  free  conference  the  members  of 
this  Synod,  or  as  many  as  are  willing  to  meet  with  them, 
in  or  near  Conover,  on  or  about  the  16th  proximo,  leaving 
it  to  this  Synod  to  fix  the  exact  time  and  place  of  meeting, 
a  committee  of  two  was  appointed  to  meet  the  undersigned 
individuals  of  said  letter,  and  ascertain  the  direct  aim  and 
purpose  of  such  proposed  conference,  and  that  said  com- 
mittee report  early  to  this  Synod.  This  committee  reported 
as  follows : 

We,  the  committee,  appointed  to  convey  the  action  of' 
this  Synod  in  regard  to  a  certain  paper,  addressed  to  this 
Synod,  signed  by  E.  L.  Hunt  and  others,  requesting  a  free 
conference,  submit,  that  we  conveyed  the  said  action  of  this 
Synod  relative  to  this  paper,  and  had  a  short  interview  with 
them,  and  that  they  furnished  us  no  definite  response,  but 
intimated  that,  as  their  meeting  had  adjourned,  it  was  too 
late  at  this  time  for  such  conference.     yi-tfT*    ^*^t 

The  Lutheran  Church  at  Newton,  and  that  at  Antioch, 
North  Carolina,  were  received. 

The  Secretary  was  ordered  to  add  a  column  to  the 
Parochial  Report,  in  which  he  shall  place  the  number  of 
souls,  as  far  as  reported,  and  that  all  our  ministers  be  re- 
quested to  report  annually  the  whole  number  of  souls 
belonging  to  their  charges,  that  is,  all  entitled  to  commune, 
as  well  as  all  who  are  baptized — and  not  confirmed,  in  their 
respective  charges. 

The  following  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Recep- 
tion of  Concordia  College  was  received,  considered,  and 
adopted : 


222  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

We,  the  committee,  appointed  by  Synod  to  confer  with 
the  Trustees  of  Concordia  College,  and  prepare  an  agree- 
ment which  may  serve  as  a  basis  upon  which  said  school 
may  become  the  recognized  institution  of  Synod,  present 
the  following  report : 

A  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  having  been  called, 
the  following  resolution  was  adopted : 

Whereas,  There  seems  to  be  a  general  desire  to  estab- 
lish proper  relations  between  Concordia  College  and  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  and 

Whereas,  It  is  generally  believed  that  such  relations 
would  inure  to  the  interest  of  this  school,  as  well  as  to  the 
good  of  the  Synod  or  Church,  at  a  meeting  held  in  said 
institution  on  October  15th,  by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  the 
Faculty,  and  others  immediately  interested,  the  following 
action  was  taken  : 

Resolved,  That,  with  a  view  of  establishing  proper  re- 
lations between  Concordia  College,  situated  at  Conover, 
North  Carolina,  and  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee 
Synod,  we,  in  meeting  assembled,  agree,  1.  that  whenever 
a  vacancy,  or  vacancies,  occur,  either  by  death,  resignation, 
or  removal,  in  the  Board  of  Trustees  or  in  the  Faculty,  the 
said  Synod  shall  have  the  right  as  well  as  the  privilege  to 
recommend  a  suitable  person,  or  persons,  to  fill  such  vacan- 
cy, or  vacancies;  2.  that  the  Synod  shall  have  the  right  to 
appoint  a  Board  of  Visitors,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  annually 
to  visit  said  school,  and  make  such  report  of  the  condition 
of  the  school  to  each  session  of  the  Synod,  as  may  be  deemed 
most  advantageous ;  3.  that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
President  of  the  Faculty  to  make  a  report  annually  to 
Synod,  relative  to  the  moral  and  literary  condition  of  the 
school,  which  report  shall  also  be  signed  by  the  secretary  of 
the  faculty  ;  4.  that  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees 
shall  also  make  an  annual  report  to  Synod,  in  regard  to  the 
financial  condition  of  the  school,  which  report  shall  likewise 
be  signed  by  the  secretary  of  the  Board  of  the  Trustees  ;  5. 
that  this  school  shall  be  continued  and  conducted  as  a  church 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  223 

institution,  under  such  rules  and  regulations,  as  may  be  in- 
stituted by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  in  aeeordanee  with  the 
charter,  and  the  Confessions  of  the  Church  as  set  forth  in 
the  Christian  Book  of  Concord,  each  teacher,  instructor,  or 
professor,  taking  an  obligation  not  to  teach  anything  in  said 
school  that  is  contrary  to  said  Confessions. 

These  stipulations  or  propositions  shall  be  valid  and 
in  force,  provided  the  said  Synod  shall  acquiesce,  and  is 
disposed  to  lend  said  institution  its  fostering  care  and 
encouragement,  as  well  as  its  influence  and  moral  force  ; 
provided,  that  if  the  Synod  shall  fail,  after  notice,  to  re- 
commend, in  due  time,  a  suitable  person  or  persons  to  fill 
such  vacancy  or  vacancies,  the  proper  authorities  of  said 
institution,  shall  proceed  to  fill  such  vacancy  or  vacancies. 

The  following  was  offered  and  adopted  : 

Resolved,  That  we,  as  a  Synod,  accept  the  propositions 
made  to  us  by  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Concordia  College, 
and  that  in  consideration  of  the  rights  and  privileges  therein 
granted,  we  will  lend  to  said  institution  our  fostering  care, 
influence,  and  moral  support. 

The  Committee  on  Amendments  to  the  Constitution 
and  By-Laws  submitted  a  report,  which  was  adopted.  The 
Constitution  as  revised  and  amended,  reads  as  follows  : 

Constitution  of  the  Evangelical  Ltdheran    Te?inessee  Synod, 

(As  Revised  in  1883.) 

Article  I.  The  name  of  this  Synod  shall  be  The 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod. 

Article  II.  The  Holy  Scriptures,  the  inspired  writings 
of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  shall  be  the  only  rule  and 
standard  of  doctrine  and  church  discipline. 

As  a  true  and  faithful  exhibition  of  the  doctrines  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures,  in  regard  to  matters  of  faith  and  prac- 
tice, this  Synod  receives  the  three  Ancient  Symbols :  the 
Apostolic,  Nicene,  and  Athanasian  Creeds ;  and  the  Unal- 
tered Augsburg  Confession  of  Faith.  It  receives  also  the 
other  Symbolical  Books  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church, 


224  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

viz.:  The  Apology,  the  Smalcald  Articles,  the  Small  and 
Large  Catechisms  of  Luther,  and  the  Formula  of  Concord 
— as  true  Scriptural  developments  of  the  doctrines  taught 
in  the  Augsburg  Confession. 

Article  III.  This  Synod  is  an  association  of  congre- 
gations. Its  conventions  shall  be  composed  of  regularly 
ordained  ministers  in  their  connection,  and  their  lay- 
delegates. 

Each  one  of  these  congregations  shall  have  the  right 
to  appoint  one  such  delegate,  who  shall  have  equal  rights 
and  privileges  with  the  ministers  transacting  the  business 
of  Synod. 

Every  minister  desiring  to  be  received  into  connection 
with  this  Synod,  shall,  on  his  reception,  be  required  to  sub- 
scribe this  Constitution. 

No  minister,  in  connection  with  this  Synod,  shall  be 
allowed  to  teach  any  thing,  nor  shall  Synod  transact  any 
business  contrary  to  the  confessional  basis  as  set  forth  in 
Article  II. 

Article  IV.  The  business  "of  this  Synod  shall  be  to 
employ  the  proper  means  for  the  promulgation  of  the  Gospel 
of  Jesus  Christ,  to  impart  its  advice  in  matters  of  Christian 
faith  and  life,  to  detect  and  expose  erroneous  doctrines  and 
false  teachers,  to  recommend  orthodox  liturgies,  hymn- 
books,  catechisms,  parochial  and  Sunday-school  books,  to 
engage  in  missionary  work,  domestic  and  foreign,  to  aid 
indigent  young  men  in  preparing  for  the  work  of  the  minis- 
try, and  to  investigate  charges  of  false  doctrines,  wrong 
practices,  and  immoralities  of  life,  preferred  against  any  of 
its  ministers,  and,  finding  them  guilty,  to  suspend  or  expel 
from  Synod  such  as  are  deemed  unworthy  to  bear  the  office, 
and  advise  their  pastorates  to  sever  their  official  relations 
with  them. 

Upon  application  to  examine  candidates  for  the  minis- 
try, this  Synod  shall  make  the  necessary  provisions  to  attend 
to  such  application,  and,  after  due  approval,  appoint  one  or 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  225 

more  pastors  to  consecrate  such  candidate   to  the  office  of 
the  ministry,  by  the  laying  on  of  hands  and  prayer. 

Synod  shall  require  a  probationary  period  of  not  less 
than  one  year,  during  which  time  all  candidates  for  the 
ministerial  office  shall  be  taken  on  trial. 

Upon  application,  this  Synod  may  receive  congrega- 
tions in  its  connection,  provided  they  subscribe  this  Con- 
stitution. 

Article  V.  The  officers  of  this  Synod  shall  be  a 
President,  Secretary,  Corresponding  Secretary,  and  Treas- 
urer. A  majority  of  all  votes  cast  will  be  required  to  con- 
stitute an  election  to  any  office.  The  duties  of  these  officers 
shall  be  such  as  usually  devolve  upon  the  same  in  other 
public  bodies,  or  as  may  be  made  obligatory  upon  them 
from  time  to  time  by  Synod.  They  shall  be  elected  by 
ballot,  at  the  regular  session,  annually,  and  hold  their 
offices  until  their  successors  are  elected. 

Article  VI.  Synod  shall  meet  from  time  to  time  upon 
its  own  adjournments.  Extra  sessions  may  be  called  by 
the  President,  when  requested  for  good  and  sufficient  reasons, 
to  do  so,  by  two  ministers  and  two  lay-men  in  its  connection. 

Article  VII.  Synod  may  at  any  regular  meeting,  by 
a  concurrence  of  two-thirds  of  all  the  members  present,  make 
such  regulations  and  by-laws  as  may  be  deemed  necessary, 
not  inconsistent  with  this  Constitution. 

Article  VIII.  If  anything  contained  in  these  articles 
should  hereafter  be  deemed  contrary  to  the  Confessional 
Basis  of  this  Synod,  oppressive,  or  inexpedient,  it  may  be 
altered  or  amended.  But  nothing  contained  in  this  Consti- 
tution shall  be  altered  or  amended  unless  a  proposition  for 
alteration  or  amendment  shall  have  been  laid  before  one  of 
the  sessions  of  Synod,  in  writing,  and  agreed  to  by  two- 
thirds  of  all  the  members  voting.  The  proposition  thus 
agreed  to,  shall  then  be  laid,  in  due  form,  by  the  Synod  in 
its  Minutes  before  the  congregations  in  its  connection,  for 
ratification  or  rejection  by  them  ;  and  the  ministers  or  vest- 
ries of  these  congregations  shall,  at   some   suitable   time, 


2  26  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

before  the  next  succeeding  session  of  Synod,  take  the  vote 
of  these  congregations,  on  the  Constitution  as  amended, 
allowing  the  members  to  vote  for  its  ratification  or  rejection 
and  send  a  statement  of  the  vote  to  that  session  of  Synod. 
If,  then,  it  shall  be  ascertained  by  Synod  that  a  majority  of 
these  congregations  have  voted  in  favor  of  ratification,  the 
amendment  shall  become  and  be  declared  by  Synod  on  the 
face  of  its  Minutes  a  valid  part  of  said  Constitution,  and  the 
parts  thereof  repugnant  to  such  alteration,  void. 

Relative  to  districting  the  Synod,  joint  union,  and 
union  with  the  General  Synod  South,  the  following  action 
was  taken  : 

Whereas,  The  Committee  on  Letters  and  Petitions 
recommend,  that  the  three  State  Conferences,  composing 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  be  resolved 
into  three  synods,  confined  by  State  lines ;  second,  that  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  in  order  to  perpet- 
uate her  history,  &c,  be  denominated  the  Joint  Tennessee 
Synod,  and  meet  in  triennial  conventions  on  middle  ground, 
composed  of  the  above-named  three  district  synods,  and 
such  other  synods  as  may  desire  to  unite  with  us,  for  the 
purpose  of  transacting  and  having  the  superintendence  of 
the  general  church  work  of  said  joint  synod;  we,  your 
committee,  respectfully  recommend,  that  this  matter  be 
referred  to  these  Conferences  for  consideration,  indicating 
their  wishes. 

Whereas,  At  its  last  session,  a  paper  was  laid  before 
our  Synod,  asking  it  to  take  into  consideration  the  propriety 
of  effecting  some  connection  with  the  Southern  Evangelical 
Lutheran  General  Synod  ;  and 

Whereas,  The  following  action  was  taken  by  our  Synod, 
relative  to  that  request, 

Resolved,  That  this  paper  be  deferred  to  our  next 
annual  session  of  Synod  for  consideration  ;  and 

Whereas,  There  is  a  desire,  as  well  as  an  element  at 
work,  to  establish  a  more  general  union  among  the   Evan- 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  227 

gelical  Lutheran  Synods  South,  in  the  form  of  a  General 
Lutheran  Southern  Synodieal  Conference,  based  on  the 
Confessions  of  the  Church,  as  extant  in  the  Christian  Book 
of  Concord  ;  be  it,  therefore, 

Resolved  1.  That  in  view  of  this  aspect  of  things,  we 
deem  it  inopportune  to  take  any  action  at  this  time,  in  re- 
gard to  that  paper  or  request ; 

Resolved  2.  That  it  is  the  sentiment  of  this  Synod,  if 
there  be  sufficient  internal  union  to  justify  external,  organic 
union,  that  union  in  the  form  of  a  General  Southern  Lu- 
theran Synodieal  Conference,  properly  based  on  the  Con- 
fessions of  the  Church,  with  only  advisory  power,  and 
invested  with  the  more  general  operations  of  the  Church,  is 
the  safest,  and  most  feasible,  and  churchly  policy  that  can 
be  inaugurated,  under  the  present  circumstances ; 

Resolved  3.  That  with  a  view  of  accomplishing  this 
desirable  object,  this  Synod  appoint  a  committee,  consisting 
of  three  from  Virginia,  four  from  North  Carolina,  and  two 
from  South  Carolina,  whose  duty  it  shall  be,  provided  the 
move  meet  with  sufficient  encouragement  in  their  judgment, 
to  co-operate  with  other  similar  committees,  or  individuals, 
who  may  favor  such  move,  in  appointing  a  suitable  time 
and  place  for  the  assembling  of  such  a  diet,  and  to  repre- 
sent this  Synod  in  such  diet,  to  inaugurate  such  Southern 
Lutheran  Synodieal  Conference,  submitting  the  result  of 
their  efforts  and  actions  to  the  different  synods  for  their  ap- 
proval or  disapproval ;  and,  if  deemed  proper,  appoint  an- 
other time  and  place  for  the  consummation  of  such  conference. 

We  would  further  submit,  that  we  rejoice  to  be  able  to 
state,  that  this  sentiment  is  indicated  in  resolutions  passed 
by  the  late  .sessions  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Holston 
Synod,  as  set  forth  in  its  Minutes,  transmitted  to  our  Synod, 
as  well  as  in  resolutions  passed  at  the  recent  sessions  of  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Virginia  Synod,  communicated  to  us 
in  session  assembled,  in  which  a  time  and  place  are  desig- 
nated for  the  holding  of  a  diet  or  other  conference  for  such 
purpose. 


228  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

Appropriations  were  made  for  six  beneficiary  students. 
The  following  candidates  for  the  ministry  were,  after 
examination,  ordained:  D.  J.  Settlemyre,  J.  A.  Rudisill, 
and  D.  A.  Sox.  Prof.  Junius  B.  Fox  being  absent,  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  examine  him,  and,  if  found  quali- 
fied, to  ordain  him. 

The  following  were  appointed  as  delegates  to  the  pro- 
posed Diet:  Rev.  S.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  Rev.  A.  L.  Crouse, 
Maj.  A.  Koiner,  from  Virginia;  Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel,  D.  D., 
Rev.  C.  H.  Bernheim,  Rev.  M.  L.  Little,  A.  Costner,  Esq., 
from  North  Carolina ;  Rev.  J.  S.  Koiner  and  H.  A.  Meetze, 
Esq.,  from  South  Carolina. 

During  this  year,  588  infants  and  36  adults  were  bap- 
tized, and  264  persons  were  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  St.  Mary's  (Pine)  Church, 
Shenandoah  County,  Virginia,  September  27,  1884. 

Sixty-fourth  Session. 

This  meeting  assembled  in  St.  Mary's  (Pine)  Church, 
Shenandoah  County,  Virginia,  September  27,  1884. 

Its  officers  were  Rev.  C.  H.  Bernheim,  president ;  I. 
Conder,  secretary;  A.  L,-  Crouse,  corresponding  secretary; 
and  J.  N.  Stirewalt,  treasurer. 

Rev.  J.  I.  Miller,  of  the  Virginia  Synod,  and  Prof.  J. 
D.  Dreher,  Ph.  D.,  of  Roanoke  College,  Virginia,  were  in- 
vited to  seats. 

St.  John's  Church,  Rockingham  County,  Virginia,  was 
received. 

By  means  of  a  letter,  Rev.  F.  W.  E.  Peschau,  corre- 
sponding delegate  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod,  conveyed 
the  fraternal  greetings  of  that  synod  to  the  members  of  this 
Synod. 

The  committee  to  draft  and  submit  articles  on  the  death 
of  Rev.  A.  J.  Fox,  M.  D.,  presented  the  following: 

Whereas,  Our  Lord  God  has  again  wisely  chastened 
us  by  the  removal  from  our  midst  of  Rev.    Alfred  J.   Fox, 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  229 

and  reminded  us  of  his  over-ruling  providence  in  calling 
his  servant  from  his  labors  here  to  his  rest  in  heaven — 

Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  Father  Fox,  we  recog- 
nize the  loss  of  a  noble  and  successful  servant  in  the  Master's 
earthly  work ;  an  earnest,  zealous  co-laborer,  and  a  warm- 
hearted friend  and  brother. 

Resolved,  That  we  bow,  humbly,  to  the  call  of  Him 
who  never  errs  and  only  wounds  to  heal. 

Resolved,  That  our  sympathies  are  extended  to  the 
bereaved  widow  and  family,  and  that,  while  we  mourn  with 
them,  we  cherish  upon  the  altar  of  his  memory  fond  recol- 
lections of  his  virtues. 

Resolved,  That  this  feeble  tribute  be  placed  upon  a 
separate  page  of  our  Minutes,  one  copy  sent  to  the  widow  of 
our  brother,  and  one  be  published  in  Our  Church  Paper. 

After  a  satisfactory  examination,  Rev.  H.  Wetzel  and 
Rev.  Prof.  J.  I.  Miller,  D.  D.,  were  received  and  enrolled 
as  members  of  this  Synod. 

Having  sustained  the  required  examination,  Messrs. 
David  I.  Offman,  of  New  Market,  Virginia,  and  John  Q. 
Lippard,  of  North  Carolina,  were  received  as  students  with 
a  view  to  the  ministry. 

There  having  been  a  call  at  the  previous  session  for  the 
publication  of  the  Christian  Book  of  Concord  in  its  third 
edition,  Henkel  &  Co.,  New  Market,  Virginia,  were  ap- 
pointed to  give  that  matter  proper  attention. 

D.  D.  Seitz,  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Con- 
cordia College,  and  Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  President  of 
the  Faculty  of  said  College,  presented  favorable  reports 
relative  to  that  institution. 

Mr.  L.  L.  Lohr,  of  Gaston  County,  North  Carolina, 
was  recognized  as  a  student  of  theology. 

The  High  School  at  Dallas,  Gaston  County,  North 
Carolina,  Rev.  Prof.  M.  L,.  Little,  principal,  was  recognized 
as  a  church  institution  and  favorably  commended. 

The  following  persons,  in  addition  to  those  already  in 
office,  were  elected  Trustees  of  Conover  College :    Rev.   A. 


23O  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELIC AL 

L,.  Crouse  and  Hon.  A.  Koiner,  of  Virginia ;  Rev.  R.  A, 
Yoder,  of  North  Carolina;  Maj.  H.  A.  Meetze  and  Mr.  D. 
H.  Wheeler,  of  South  Carolina. 

Appropriations  were  made  for  seven  beneficiaries. 

The  time  and  place  for  the  proposed  Church  Diet  was 
agreed  uponr  by  those  concerned.  The  time  was  November 
12,  1884,  and  the  place,  Salisbury,  North  Carolina. 

According  to  the  Parochial  Report,  650  infants  and  41 
adults  were  baptized,  and  381  persons  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  St.  Peter's  (Meetze' s), 
Lexington  County,  South  Carolina,  October  31,  1885. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  A.  J.  Fox,  M.  D. — Died  on  the  10th  day  of  June, 
1884,  at  his  home  in  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina,  after  an  illness 
of  one  week,  Rev.  A.  J.  Fox,  M.  D. ;  aged  66  years,  9  months,  and  4 
days.  On  the  day  following,  his  remains  were  buried  at  Salem  Church, 
Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina,  Rev.  R.  A.  Yoder  rendering  the  funeral 
services,  assisted  by  Rev.  J.  M.  Smith.  Notwithstanding  the  inclem- 
ent weather  and  in  the  midst  of  harvest,  there  was  a  very  large  con- 
gregation present,  to  pay  a  last  tribute  of  respect  to  an  aged  and 
venerable  minister  of  the  Gospel.  Rev.  R.  A.  Yoder  addressed  the 
congregation,  basing  his  remarks  on  Numbers  23,  10:  "Let  me  die 
the  death  of  the  righteous  !" 

The  Rev.  Dr.  A.  J.  Fox  was  married  to  Lydia  Bost  in  the  year 
1842.     He  leaves  a  widow  and  11  children,  7  sons  and  4  daughters. 

He  entered  the  Lutheran  ministry  in  1837,  and  labored  constantly 
in  that  work  until  within  a  few  days  of  his  death  ;  extending  over  a 
period  of  47  years.  He  labored  during  this  whole  period  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod  ;  while  his  work 
was  confined  within  the  limits  of  the  Tennessee  Synod,  his  influence 
was  felt  in  the  whole  Lutheran  Church  of  this  country,  as  he  was 
frequently  corresponding  delegate  to  other  Lutheran  bodies.  He 
always  held  positions  of  honor  and  trust  in  his  Synod,  and  was  for 
many  years  one  of  her  leading  spirits.  •  He  gave  direction  and  counsel 
in  all  her  interests,  and  was  an  able  advocate  and  defender  of  the  pure 
doctrines  of  the  Church  of  the  Reformation. 

He  was  a  man  of  extraordinary  energy  and  physical  strength.  He 
served  as  many  as  eight  or  nine  congregations  at  the  same  time,  in 
addition  to  his  professional  duties  as  physician,  and  the  cares  and 
duties  of  a  large  household. 

Two  of  his  sons  are  in  the  Lutheran  ministry— one  Rev.  L.  A. 
Fox,  D.  D.,  is  an  eminent  scholar,   and  an  able  professor  in  Roanoke 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  23I 

College,  Salem,  Virginia.  The  other,  Rev.  J.  B.  Fox,  is  laboring  in 
'connection  with  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Holston  Synod,  in  East 
Tennessee.  Two  of  his  sons  are  following  the  medical  profession  with 
eminent  success.  One,  Dr.  A.  C.  Fox,  lives  in  Waynesboro,  Virginia  ; 
the  other,  Dr.  Frank  Fox,  is  at  the  old  homestead  and  was  practicing 
in  connection  with  his  father.  Of  his  remaining  sons,  one  is  a  farmer, 
and  the  other  two  are  boys  at  home  with  their  mother. 

Of  his  four  daughters,  three  are  the  wives  who  grace  the  homes  of 
some  of  our  best  citizens,  and  one  a  widow. 

An  eminently  successful  career  has  closed  with  his  life,  and  by  his 
death,  the  State  and  community  have  lost  a  valuable  citizen  ;  the 
Church  and  Synod,  an  able,  active,  and  energetic  minister ;  and  the 
family,  a  kind  father  and  dear  husband. 

By  his  "works  of  faith  and  labors  of  love,"  he  "being  dead  yet 
speaketh."  The  souls  whom  he  has  been  instrumental  in  saving,  the 
churches  which  he  has  helped  to  build,  the  brethren  whom  he  has 
counseled,  the  voice  of  pen  and  pulpit,  all  speak  : 

"Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from  henceforth  ;  yea, 
saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labors,  and  their  works 
do  follow  them."  "Precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  is  the  death  of 
his  saints."  "Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the  upright ;  for  the 
end  of  that  man  is  peace." 

He  has  been  called  to  his  reward,  and  is  now  in  the  fellowship  of 
angels  and  saints,  around  the  throne  of  God. 

He  "fought  a  good  fight,"  he  "kept  the  faith,"  and  now  he  wears 
the  victor's  crown. 

Sixty-fifth   Session. 

This  meeting  was  held  in  St.  Peter's  (Meetze's)  Church, 
Lexington  County,  South  Carolina,  commencing  October 
31,  1885. 

The  officers  were  Revs.  J.  M.  Smith,  president ;  R.  A. 
Yoder,  secretary;  A.  L,.  Crouse,  corresponding  secretary; 
and  J.  K.  Efird,  treasurer. 

The  proposed  Diet  having  met  at  the  time  and  place 
indicated,  and  adopted  a  basis  for  a  more  general  union 
among  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synods  in  the  South,  as 
well  as  a  constitution,  the  Synod  adopted  these  documents, 
and  appointed  the  following  delegates  to  represent  it  in  the 
next  Diet:  Revs.  S.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  A.  L.  Crouse,  P.  C. 
Henkel,  D.  D.,  C.  H.  Bernheim,  M.  L.  Little,  and  E.  L. 
Lybrand ;  and  Messrs.  A.  Koiner,  A.  Costner,   and  W.    A. 


2J2  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

Meetze.  Alternates— Revs.  J.  P.  Stirewalt,  J.  S.  Koiner,. 
and  J.  K.  Efird  ;  and  Messrs.  Philip  Killian,  W.  A.  Mauney,. 
and  C.  M.  Efird. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  ordain  Mr.  R.  H.  Cline. 

The  College  Chapel  congregation,  Gaston  County,. 
North  Carolina,  was  received. 

The  Secretary  was  ordered  to  make  a  complete  roll  of 
the  congregations  and  preaching  places  in  connection  with 
Synod,  and  have  it  published  in  the  Minutes. 

The  committee,  Rev.  A.  L,.  Crouse,  on  monument  for 
Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel,  reported  that  the  monument  had 
been  erected  and  paid  for,  out  of  funds  collected  in  the 
Valley  of  Virginia  for  that  purpose. 

The  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Concordia 
College,  the  President  of  the  Faculty,  and  the  Visiting 
Committee,  submitted  very  favorable  and  encouraging  re- 
ports in  regard  to  that  institution. 

Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  President  of  Concordia 
College,  Conover,  North  Carolina,  having  tendered  his 
resignation  relative  to  that  office,  the  following  resolution 
was  adopted  : 

Resolved,  That  in  the  acceptance  of  the  resignation  of 
Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel,  as  President  of  Concordia  College,  by 
this  Synod,  it  does  so  with  regret,  and  only  under  a  sense 
of  duty  which  is  due  under  statements  and  representations 
made  by  him  ;  and,  in  parting  with  him,  the  Synod  desires 
to  express  its  most  hearty  thanks  for  the  sacrifices  which 
he  has  made  gratuitously  for  the  institution,  and  prays 
God's  richest  blessings  upon  him. 

Appropriations  were  made  for  six  beneficiaries. 

The  report  shows  that  during  the  year  741  infants  and 
63  adults  were  baptized,  and  655  persons  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  College  Chapel,  Dallas, 
Gaston  County,  North  Carolina,  November  6,  1886. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  233 

Sixty-sixth  Session. 

This  session  was  held  in  College  Chapel,  Dallas,  North 
Carolina,  commencing  November  6,  1886. 

The  officers  were  Revs.  R.  A.  Yoder,  president;  J. 
Paul  Stirewalt,  secretary;  A.  L,.  Crouse,  corresponding 
secretary;  and  J.  K.  Efird,  treasurer. 

The  committee,  appointed  to  ordain  Robert  H.  Cline, 
reported  that  they  had  attended  to  that  duty. 

Rev.  J.  P.  Smeltzer,  D.  D.,  having  presented  an  honor- 
able dismission  from  the  South  Carolina  Synod,  and  sus- 
tained a  satisfactory  examination,  was  received  as  a  member 
of  this  Synod,  and  his  name  ordered  to  be  enrolled  in  the 
clerical  catalogue. 

The  following  recommendation  of  the  President  in  his 
report,  was  sustained:  That  "Sunday-schools  be  organized 
in  all  our  congregations,  and  that  sound  Lutheran  literature 
be  used."  In  regard  to  this  recommendation,  it  was  sug- 
gested that  where  no  such  schools  already  exist,  they  be 
established,  and  that  only  the  Holy  Scriptures  and  sound 
Lutheran  literature  be  used. 

His  recommendation,  "that  our  people  be  advised  to 
build  no  more  union  houses  of  worship,"  was  adopted. 

Rev.  L-  A.  Fox,  D.  D.,  was  granted  an  honorable  dis- 
mission to  the  Southwestern  Virginia  Synod. 

Holly  Grove  Church,  Davidson  County,  Pisgah  Church, 
Alexander  County,  North  Carolina,  Bethel  Church,  Rock- 
ingham County,  Mount  Calvary  Church,  Shenandoah 
County,  Virginia,  and  Zion  congregation,  Jacksonville, 
Alabama,  were  received  into  connection  with  Synod. 

The  following  is  the  report  of  the  delegates  to  the 
Church  Diet,  held  in  Roanoke,  Virginia : 

"A  second  church  Diet  having  been  convened  at  Roan- 
oke, Virginia,  June  24,  1886,  in  accordance  with  the  action 
of  the  Diet,  held  in  Salisbury,  North  Carolina,  November 
12-13,  1884,  and  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synods  con- 
cerned having  adopted  the  Basis  for  a  more  general  union 


234  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

of  these  Synods  and  the  congregations  of  which  they  are 
composed,  and  the  Constitution  designed  for  the  government 
of  such  more  general  union,  as  set  forth  and  agreed  upon 
by  the  Diet  which  met  in  Salisbury,  and  the  necessary  pre- 
liminary regulations  having  been  made,  we,  the  undersigned 
delegates  to  said  Diet,  held  at  Roanoke,  cast  the  vote  of 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  which  we  had 
the  honor  to  represent,  in  accordance  with  her  instructions, 
in  favor  of  the  establishment  of  the  more  general,  organic 
union  contemplated,  and  the  action  of  the  other  synods 
concerned  bein°:  favorable  to  such  union,  it  was  effected,  on 
the  Basis  and  Constitution  indicated,  under  the  name  and 
title  of  the  United  Synod  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church  in  the  South.  Thus  with  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Tennessee  Synod  and  the  Holston  Synod,  the  Southern 
General  Synod  was  merged  into  one  general  body. 

We  have  reason  to  thank  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church, 
that  the  true  Confessions  have  been  thus  again  formally 
recognized  and  acknowledged.  The  Scriptural  premises 
have,  in  this  way,  been  laid  down  and  agreed  to,  and  by 
prudence,  brotherly  love,  and  the  influences  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  the  conclusions  must  be,  ultimately,  inevitable.  But 
it  will  require  patience  and  much  judicious  work,  to  attain 
that  higher  and  more  churchly  plain  in  regard  to  doctrine 
and  practice. 

After  its  organization,  important  business  was  trans- 
acted by  the  United  Synod, — some  of  which  will  require 
the  attention  of  our  Synod ;  as,  foreign  missions,  important 
home  missionary  work,  &c.  We  trust  Synod  will  take 
such  action  in  regard  to  these,  as  she  may  deem  proper. 

S.  Henkel, 
A.  Koiner, 
A.  L.  Crouse, 
E.  L.  Lybrand, 
C.  M.  Efird, 
C.  H.  Bernheim." 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  235 

In  regard  to  this  report,  the  following  resolutions  were 
offered : 

"  1.  That  it  be  adopted. 

2.  That,  in  adopting  it,  as  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Tennessee  Synod  rejects  all  ecclesiastical  union  and  co- 
operation which  is  not  based  on  the  pure  Lutheran  teaching 
and  faith  ;  as,  the  Exchange  of  Pulpits,  Promiscuous  Com- 
munion or  Altar  Fellowship,  Secret  Society  Worship,  and 
Chiliasm,  we,  the  ministers  and  lay-delegates,  in  Synod 
assembled,  do  hereby  recommend  or  advise  the  Committee, 
or  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee,  appointed  by  the  United 
Synod  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  in  the  South  to 
prepare  by-laws  for  its  government,  in  drafting  such  by-laws 
so  to  formulate  them  as  to  require  every  teacher  or  professor 
who  may  be  appointed  as  a  teacher  or  professor  in  any 
Theological  Seminary  that  she  may  establish  or  put  into 
operation,  to  take  an  obligation  not  to  teach,  practice,  or 
inculcate  anything  that  comes  in  conflict  with  these  princi- 
ples, or  the  doctrines  of  the  Church. 

3.  That  we  trust  the  said  United  Synod  will  feel  the 
importance  of  acquiescing  in  this  precautionary  request, 
with  a  view  to  the  good  of  the  Church  ;  especially  as  this 
is  desired  only  in  work,  for  which  each  synod  will  be  held 
responsible  in  its  united  efforts,  and  which  it  should  be 
able  to  defend  and  maintain  according  to  the  pure  doctrines 
and  practices  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  as  over 
against  sectarian  innovations  and  corruptions,  leaving  each 
synod  in  connection  with  the  United  Synod,  in  its  individ- 
ual, synodical  transactions,  so  to  shape  its  course,  as  ulti- 
mately to  attain  that  higher  plain  in  doctrine  and  practice, 
so  characteristic  of  the  true  Church." 

The  above  report  and  resolutions  were  received  and 
adopted  by  a  rising  vote. 

The  following  Regulations  in  regard  to  the  Work  of 
the  United  Synod  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  in 
the  South,  were  submitted  to  the  said  United  Synod,  at  its 
meeting  in  Savannah,   Georgia,   November  24-29,  1887,  in 


236  HISTORY    OF    THE    EVANGELICAL 

connection  with  By-Laws  and  Rules  of  Order,  and  ordered 
to  be  printed  in  the  Minutes,  and  postponed  till  the  next 
meeting  of  the  United  Synod,  held  in  Wilmington,  North 
Carolina,  November,  1889,  for  consideration  : 

"I.  Every  important  Home  Missionary  work  or  enter- 
prise, undertaken  by  this  Synod,  shall  be  under  its  control 
and  supervision,  and  the  property  of  such  enterprise  shall 
be  conveyed  to  trustees  selected  or  designated  by  Synod,  to 
be  held  for  the  use,  benefit,  and  occupancy  of  the  Evangel- 
ical Lutheran  congregation  worshiping  at  that  place,  and 
adhering  to  the  Confessional  Basis  of  said  Synod,  until  the 
congregation  is  regularly  transferred  to  an  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Synod  in  connection  with  this  Body. 

II.  It  shall  not  be  the  policy  of  this  Synod  to  commence 
Missionary  work  at  any  place,  unless  the  friends  of  the 
Church,  residing  at  such  point,  are  willing  to  do  a  reasona- 
ble part  towards  building  up  and  supporting  the  contem- 
plated congregation  and  the  erection  of  a  suitable  church 
edifice. 

III.  Every  minister,  teacher,  professor,  or  missionary, 
in  any  institution  or  enterprise  under  the  supervision  or 
control  of  this  United  Synod,  before  entering  on  the  per- 
formance of  the  duties  of  his  office,  shall  make  an  affirma- 
tion that  he  will  inculcate  nothing  that  is  in  conflict  with 
the  Doctrinal  Basis  of  this  United  Synod  as  defined  in  its 
Constitution,  but  that  all  his  religious  teachings  shall  be 
in  conformity  with  the  same ;  and  that  he  will  not  foster 
nor  encourage  intercommunion,  or  altar  fellowship  with 
non-Lutherans,  or  unionistic  services,  or  any  secret  society 
of  a  doubtful  or  deistic  character." 

At  the  session  of  the  United  Synod,  in  Wilmington, 
North  Carolina,  in  18S9,  the  By-Laws,  Rules  of  Order,  and 
Regulations  in  regard  to  Work,  were  again  postponed  till 
its  next  meeting. 

The  Committee  on  Church  Institutions  reported  as 
follows  : 

"We,  your  committee,  would  respectfully  report,  that 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  237 

we  have  had  but  one  paper  placed  in  our  hands,  from  which 
we  gather,  that  Concordia  College,   Conover,   North  Caro- 
lina,   is   in   a   flourishing    condition,    having   had   a  larger 
enrollment  of  pupils  than  at  any  previous  session. 
Further,  we,  your  committee,  recommend  : 

1.  That  the  Board  of  Trustees  be  the  only  authority, 
with  the  sanction  of  Synod,  to  elect  or  employ  any  of  its 
professors  or  teachers  that  are  in  anywise  connected  with 
the  said  College. 

2.  That,  as  the  Board  of  Trustees  have  the  only 
authority,  with  the  sanction  of  Synod,  to  elect  teachers,  or 
trustees  for  said  institution,  they  elect  two  more  members, 
who  reside  at  or  near  Conover,  North  Carolina,  to  be  added 
to  the  Board  of  Trustees,  so  that,  in  any  case  of  emergency, 
a  quorum  may  be  had  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

3.  That  the  advertisement  of  Concordia  College  be 
printed  upon  the  last  page  of  the  cover  of  our  Minutes." 

The  following  resolution  on  Home  and  Foreign  Mis- 
sionary operations,  was  offered  : 

Whereas,  In  view  of  the  connection  which  this  Synod 
now  sustains  to  the  United  Synod  of  the  Evangelical  Lu- 
theran Church  in  the  South,  it  will  be  her  duty  properly  to 
aid  in  promoting  the  important  home  missionary  operations, 
as  well  as  the  foreign,  under  the  supervision  of  said  United 
Synod,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  our  ministers  be  required  to  bring  this 
matter  before  their  respective  congregations,  and  that  the 
said  congregations  are  advised  to  co-operate  with  their 
pastors  in  devising  ways  and  means  to  raise  not  less  than 
10  cents  per  each  communicant,  by  establishing  congrega- 
tional treasuries,  or  woman's  societies,  or  whatever  mode 
they  may  think  the  better  for  raising  such  amounts,  and 
that  the  amounts  be  raised  as  soon  as  possible  and  sent  to 
the  Treasurer  of  our  Synod,  and  the  result  be  reported  to 
the  next  meeting  of  our  Synod. 

The  committee  on  the  publication  of  the  Book  of  Con- 
cord was  continued  till  the  next  convention  of  Synod. 


238  HISTORY    OF    THE    EVANGELICAL 

The   committee    on   resolutions   on    Mr.    Armentrout,, 

submitted  the  following  : 

We,  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  suitable  reso- 
lutions, submit  the  following : 

Whereas,  It  hath  pleased  God,  in  whose  hands  are  the 
issues  of  life  and  death,  to  remove  our  lamented  brother,  T. 
E.  Armentrout,  from  his  labors  on  earth  to  his  rest  in 
heaven ;  be  it 

Resolved  1.  That  in  the  death  of  our  brother  we  recog- 
nize the  hand  of  God,  and  bow  with  resigned  submission  to 
His  will. 

Resolved  2.  In  his  death,  the  Church  Militant  has  lost 
a  devoted  member,  an  efficient  teacher,  and  one  who  gave 
good  promise  of  future  usefulness  in  the  Gospel  Ministry, 
for  which  he  had  prepared  himself,  and  in  which  he  labored 
more  or  less  for  a  year  or  two,  as  a  candidate,  with  efficiency. 

Resolved  3.  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  spread 
upon  the  face  of  the  Minutes. 

Resolved  4.  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to 
the  sad  family  of  which  he  was  a  member. 

After  a  satisfactory  examination,  Mr.  P.  C.  Wike  was 
ordained. 

Appropriations  were  made  for  beneficiaries. 

According  to  the  Parochial  Report,  51  adults  and  690 
infants  were  baptized,  474  persons  were  confirmed,  and  1 
ordained  as  pastor. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Bethlehem  Church,  Au- 
gusta County,  Virginia,  August  31,  1887. 

Obituary  of  Mr.  Thomas  E.  Armentrout. — It  is  sad  to  part  with 
our  loved  ones,  and  especially  with  those  who  are  faithful  servants  of 
the  Church,  but,  the  rider  upon  the  pale  horse  is  no  respecter  of  per- 
sons. He  calls  alike  upon  the  noble  and  ignoble,  and  commits  his 
solemn  deed.  He  has  made  his  visit  in  the  person  of  Mr.  Thomas  E. 
Armentrout,  who  departed  this  life  of  malarial  fever,  after  an  illness 
of  several  weeks;  aged  31  years,  9  months,  and  11  days. 

Mr.  Armentrout  two  years  ago  went  to  Missouri,  and  remained 
there  some  two  months,  after  which  he  went  to  Florida,  and  returned 
home  to  his  father's  the  next  spring,  his  health  being  somewhat  im- 


X-UTHERAN   TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  239 

proved.  He  was  advised  to  go  South  again  ;  he  accordingly  went  to 
North  Carolina.  Shortly  after  his  arrival  there,  he  commenced  teach- 
ing a  school  which  was  secured  for  hirn  through  the  kindness  of  Rev. 
W.  A.  Lutz.  He  obligated  himself  to  teach  one  month,  and  if  his 
health  would  admit,  at  the  end  of  said  mouth,  he  proposed  to  continue 
the  school  through  the  winter  season.  As  his  health  seemed  to  be 
sufficient  for  the  task,  he  continued,  and  finished  a  five  months'  term. 

After  taking  a  rest  of  one  or  two  months,  he  was  requested  by  his 
patrons  to  teach  a  summer  school  of  two  mouths  at  the  same  place, 
which  he  consented  to  do,  and  having  continued  it  within  two  weeks 
of  its  close,  he  was  taken  with  malarial  fever,  accompanied  with  chills, 
but  was  not  confined  to  his  bed  until  the  iSth  of  September,  when  he 
became  very  sick,  and  his  hopes  of  recovery  doubtful.  He  gradually 
grew  worse  until  the  evening  of  the  24th  at  6.40  P.  M.,  when  his  soul 
took  its  final  departure  into  the  presence  of  God,  to  receive  its  final 
reward. 

His  brother,  C.  F.  Armentrout,  arrived  the  second  day  before  his 
death,  but  he  was  not  conscious  of  his  presence  ;  he  took  charge  of  his 
remains  and  brought  it  back  to  his  father's ;  from  thence  it  was  re- 
moved to  the  cemetery  in  McGaheysville,  Va.,  accompanied  with  an 
unusually  large  number  of  persons,  where  it  is  to  rest  until  the 
morning  of  the  resurrection. 

His  character  was  without  reproach,  his  piety  unquestionable,  and 
his  love  for  the  Church  highly  commendatory.  We  feel  that  we  have 
lost  a  precious  jewel  in  his  departure,  but  we  bow  in  humble  submis- 
sion to  the  dispensation  of  him  who  doth  all  things  well,  believing 
that  our  loss  has  resulted  in  his  everlasting  gain. 

He  pursued  a  regular  collegiate  course  of  studies  in  the  New 
Market  Polytechnic  Institute,  New  Market,  Virginia,  and  received 
the  degree  of  A.  B.,  and  then  pursued  a  post-graduate  course,  and 
received  that  of  A.  M.  He  was  an  excellent  scholar  and  a  close 
student. 

Sixty-  Seven  th  Session . 

This*meeting  convened  in  Bethlehem  Church,  Augusta 
County,  Virginia,  August  27,  1887. 

The  officers  elected  were  Revs.  Prof.  J.  S.  Koiner, 
president;  J.  Paul  Stirewalt,  secretary;  Prof.  R.  A.  Yoder, 
corresponding  secretary;  and  J.  N.  Stirewalt,  treasurer. 

Revs.  Prof.  J.  A.  Willis,  C.  Beard,  J.  H.  Barb,  G.  W. 
Spiggle,  of  the  Virginia  Synod,  B.  S.  Brown,  of  the  North 
Carolina  Synod,  and  L,.   K.  Probst,  Secretary  of  the  Board 


24O  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

of  Missions  of  the  United  Synod,  were  received  as  advisory 
members. 

The  report  of  the  President  of  Concordia  College,  and 
that  of  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  were  very 
favorable,  showing  that  church  institution  in  a  healthy  and 
prosperous  condition. 

Rev.  Iy.  K.  Probst,  at  the  request  of  the  President,  ad- 
dressed the  Synod  and  the  congregation  on  the  subject  of 
Home  and  Foreign  Missions. 

The  following  is  the  substance  of  a  paper  submitted  to 
Synod  by  Rev.  F.  W.  E.  Peschau,  President  and  Corre- 
sponding Delegate  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod,  in  which 
he  conveys  the  fraternal  greetings  of  that  body,  and  asks 
prayerful  and  kind  attention  to  an  important  petition  which 
his  Synod  submits,  as  follows: 

'The  kind  Christian  greetings  I  bring  you  are  the 
outgrowth  of  the  kind  and  fraternal  relations  existing  be- 
tween the  worthy  pastors  and  faithful  members  of  )^our 
honorable  body,  residing  in  the  'Old  North  State,'  as  our 
ecclesiastical  neighbors ;  yea,  brethren,  with  us  in  the  same 
household  of  faith. 

The  petition  I  present  is  an  earnest  request  that  your 
honorable  body  will,  in  view  of  the  forming  of  'the  United 
Synod,'  and  in  view  of  the  pleasant  relations  thus  made 
between  us,  as  sister  Synods,  and  in  consonance  with  the 
whole  movement  to  bring  about  more  harmony,  peace, 
unity,  and  strength,  both  local  and  general,  in  our  dear 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  South,  grant  the  members 
of  the  North  Carolina  Conference,  both  clerical  and  lay, 
letters  of  honorable  dismissal  to  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Synod  of  North  Carolina,  that  they  may  be  one  with  us, 
not  only  in  point  of  a  confessional  basis,  but  also  one  with 
us  in  corporate  organization. 

Will  your  honorable  body  grant  this  request,  and  thus 
bring  about  a  union  of  brethren  long  desired?  May  the 
Holy  Spirit  guide  all  in  this  important  matter?" 

In  regard  to  this  the  following  action  was  taken  : 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  24 I 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sentiment  of  this  body  that 
such  petition  for  transfer  should  proceed  first  from  the 
North  Carolina  Conference  of  our  Synod. 

Resolved,  That  whilst  we  appreciate  the  cordial,  fra- 
ternal spirit  manifest  in  that  action,  it  is  the  sentiment  of 
this  Synod,  that,  in  view  of  the  present  condition  of  the 
Church  in  the  South,  and  the  relations  which  this  Synod 
sustains  to  it,  it  would  be  inexpedient,  as  well  as  inju- 
dicious, to  form  such  a  union  ;  especially,  as  it  would  result 
in  disintegrating  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee 
Synod — a  Synod  which  has  done  so  much  towards  sustain- 
ing and  perpetuating  the  doctrines  of  the  Church,  and  which, 
it  seems,  still  has  a  mission  to  fill,  and  a  history  to  perpetu- 
ate,— and  particularly  as  there  is  no  necessity  for  such  union, 
since  the  relations  between  the  two  Synods  are  so  fraternal 
as  to  prevent  any  conflict  in  the  respective  and  legitimate 
work  or  operations  of  the  two  Synods,  under  the  happy 
regulations  established  by  them  in  the  year  1883. 

The  committee,  Rev.  M.  L-  Fox,  M.  D.,  appointed  to 
collect  funds  to  erect  a  monument  at  the  grave  of  Rev.  Philip 
Henkel,  in  Randolph  County,  North  Carolina,  reported  that 
he  had  succeeded  in  erecting  a  suitable  monument  at  that 
place. 

In  regard  to  the  publication  of  Luther's  Small  Cate- 
chism, the  following  action  was  taken : 

Whereas,  We  learn  that  the  last  edition  of  Luther's 
Small  Catechism,  published  by  S.  P.  C.  &  C.  C.  Henkel, 
New  Market,  Va. ,  is  exhausted  ;  and 

Whereas,  We  need  a  good,  reliable,  Lutheran  Cate- 
chism for  our  families,  Sunday-schools,  and  catechumens ; 
be  it,  therefore, 

Resolved  1 .  That  we  recommend  to  Henkel  &  Co. ,  New 
Market,  Va.,  the  propriety  of  publishing  another  edition  of 
that  Catechism  ; 

2.  That,  in  the  event  they  publish  such  an  edition,  we 
advise  our  people,  teachers,  and  ministers  to  use  it  in  their 


242  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

families,    Sunday-schools,   and  catechetical  classes,  and   to 
give  it  such  other  circulation  as  it  deserves. 

Rev.  D.  A.  Sox  having  resigned  the  mission  work  in 
Alabama,  it  was  recommended  : 

First,  That  said  work  in  Alabama  be  made  a  special 
mission  field  of  this  Synod. 

Secondly,  That  this  Synod  put  into  said  field,  as  early 
as  possible,  a  missionary,  and  sustain  him. 

Thirdly,  That  by  adopting  this,  Synod  pledges  herself 
to  pay  her  missionary  $300.00  per  year. 

Fourthly,  That  the  mission  be  required  to  raise  the 
other  $200.00  of  a  salary  of  $500.00. 

The  following  delegates  were  elected  to  the  United 
Synod  which  met  in  Savannah,  Georgia,  November  24,  1887: 

Principals — Revs.  S.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  A.  L.  Crouse,  J. 
P.  Stirewalt,  J.  C.  Moser,  R.  A.  Yoder,  P.  C.  Henkel,  D.  D., 
W.  P.  Cline,  J.  K.  Efird,  J.  A.  Cromer,  and  Messrs.  D.  S. 
Henkel,  Wm.  Coffman,  Philip  Killian,  James  T.  Miller, 
John  F.  Moser,  A.  M.  Huit,  D.  P.  Boger,  Maj.  Henry  A. 
Meetze,  Dr.  J.  W.  Eargle. 

Alternates — Revs.  John  N.  Stirewalt,  I.  Conder,  H. 
Wetzel,  M.  L.  Fox,  J.  R.  Peterson,  J.  S.  Koiner,  J.  A. 
Rudisill,  Dr.  J.  P.  Smeltzer,  E.  L,.  I»ybrand,  and  Messrs. 
Ambrose  L.  Henkel,  Isaiah  Printz,  Isaiah  Bowman,  C.  T. 
Sigman,  Tobias  Barnes,  F.  L,.  Herman,  D.  M.  Wyant,  P.  S. 
Fulmer,  Lewis  Shealey. 

In  regard  to  Theological  Instruction  at  Concordia  Col- 
lege, Conover,  North  Carolina,  it  was  moved  that  Rev. 
Prof.  J.  S.  Koiner  continue  to  devote  a  portion  of  his  time 
to  such  instruction,  and  that  the  College  Board  pay  him  in 
proportion  to  the  labor  he  performs,  out  of  the  funds  which 
have  been  or  may  be  raised  for  such  purpose,  and  paid  into 
the  hands  of  the  Treasurer  of  College. 

During  this  year,  49  adults  and  453  infants  were  bap- 
tized, and  227  persons  confirmed. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  St.  Peter's  (P.  W.)  Church, 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  243 

Lexington  County,  South  Carolina,  on  Saturday  before  the 
first  Sunday  in  October,  1888. 

Sixty-eighth  Session. 

This  convention  met  in  St.  Peter's  (P.  W.)'  Church, 
Lexington  County,  South  Carolina,  December  1,  1888,  the 
time  having  been  postponed. 

The  election|for  officers  resulted  in  favor  of  Rev.  J.  C. 
Moser,  president  ;  Rev.  A.  L.  Crouse,  secretary  ;  Rev.  W. 
P.  Cline,  corresponding  secretary  ;  and  Rev.  J.  N.  Stirewalt, 
treasurer. 

All  Lutheran  ministers  present  were  recognized  and  in- 
vited to  seats  within  the  bar  of  the  Synod,  with  the  privi- 
lege of  debate.  Revs.  C.  A.  Marks,  Z.  W.  Bedenbaugh,  M. 
J.  Epting,  Prof.  J.  B.  Fox,  W.  A.  Julian,  and  J.  A.  Sligh 
were  announced.  Rev.  Prof.  A.  G.  Voigt,  delegate  from 
the  South  Carolina  Synod,  presented  his  credentials  and  was 
received. 

Rev.  W.  A.  Lutz,  delegate  from  the  North  Carolina 
Synod,  was  announced  as  present.  A  motion  was  made  to 
receive  him,  and  pending  its  consideration  Synod  adjourn- 
ed till  the  afternoon  session. 

Synod  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  reception  of  the 
delegate  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod.  On  motion,  it  was 
postponed  till  some  subsequent  session  of  this  convention. 

The  following  was  passed  : 

Whereas,  At  its  recent  convention,  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  North  Carolina  Synod  took  certain  action  in  re- 
gard to  the  course  pursued  by  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Tennessee  Synod  relative  to  the  application  of  Rev.  B.  S. 
Brown  for  admittance  ;  and 

Whereas,  That  action  may,  in  the  future,  be  construed 
as  a  reflection  on  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee 
Synod ;  be  it,  therefore, 

Resolved  1 .  That  the  Tennessee  Synod  pursued  the  same 
course  in  reference  to  the  said  B.  S.  Brown,  as  it  has  relative 
to  other  similar  applicants,  for  more  than  three  score  years ; 


244  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

2.  That  this  Synod  can. see  no  good  reason  for  devi- 
ating from  that  policy,  convinced  that  it  is  right  and  proper. 

At  a  later  date,  Synod  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
reception  of  the  North  Carolina  Synod's  delegate,  and  the 
following  action  was  taken  : 

Rev.  W.  A.  Lutz  having  appeared  as  corresponding 
delegate  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  North  Carolina  Synod, 
and  presented  his  credentials  as  such,  was  received  ;  but  it 
is  to  be  regretted,  that,  in  view  of  the  following  action  taken 
by  the  North  Carolina  Synod  at  its  late  meeting,  relative  to 
the  course  pursued  by  our  Synod  in  regard  to  the  applica- 
tion of  Rev.  B.  S.  Brown,  it  would  be  incompatible  for  this 
Synod  to  continue  such  courtesy  or  correspondence  in  the 
future,  without  some  modification  or  satisfactory  explanation 
of  the  intention  of  that  action,  which,  otherwise,  is  calcu- 
lated to  reflect  on  our  Synod  : 

"Resolved,  That  we  have  heard  with  pleasure  the  very 
excellent  and  able  address  of  Rev.  B.  S.  Brown,  regarding 
his  non-reception  into  our  sister  Synod,  the  Tennessee 
Synod,  and  that  we  rejoice  to  find  that  he  stood  so  firmly 
on  the  confessions  of  the  church  and  refused  to  go  beyond 
them  in  accepting  opinions  or  practices  that  are  nowhere 
required  or  distinctly  stated  in  the  symbols  of  our  church." 

The  matter  of  establishing  a  mission  at  Asheville, 
North  Carolina,  was  referred  to  the  North  Carolina  Confer- 
ence of  the  Synod  for  consideration. 

A  letter  from  Rev.  L.  K.  Probst,  Secretary  of  the  Board 
of  Missions  of  the  United  Synod,  was  read,  in  which  atten- 
tion was  called  to  the  apportionment  of  this  Synod,  due  the 
United  Synod,  of  $800  for  Home  Missions  and  $400  for 
Foreign  Missions,  as  approximated  by  the  Board. 

The  services  of  a  pastor  for  the  Alabama  Mission  were 
secured. 

The  request,  made  at  the  previous  meeting  of  Synod, 
for  the  publication  of  another  edition  of  Luther's  Small 
Catechism,  was  complied  with,   Henkel   &   Co.,   of  New 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  245 

Market,  Virginia,  having  brought  out  the  new  publication, 
in  its  fifth  edition,  in  due  time. 

The  committee  on  text-books  for  Sunday-schools  rec- 
ommended the  following  : 

1.  The  Bible,  or  portions  of  it,  and  Luther's  Small 
Catechism. 

2.  As  helps  to  learning  the  contents  of  Bible  and  Cate- 
chism, Little  Children's  Catechism,  My  First  Book,  The 
Child's  Book,  Stories  from  Bible  History  ;  and  for  Song, 
The  Little  Children's  Book. 

3.  For  more  advanced  scholars,  also,  Biblical  History 
in  the  Words  of  Holy  Scripture,  Outlines  of  Church  His- 
tory ;  and  for  Song,  The  Sunday-school  Book. 

Favorable  action  was  taken  in  regard  to  the  endowment 
of  Concordia  College,  Conover,  North  Carolina. 

With  respect  to  the  relation  which  the  Tennessee  Synod 
sustains  to  the  United  Synod  in  the  South,  the  following 
action  was  taken : 

Whereas,  The  relations  of  the  different  synods,  com- 
posing the  United  Synod  of  the  South,  to  each  other,  and 
to  the  United  Synod,  as  defined  in  the  Basis  of  Union  and 
Constitution  of  the  United  Synod,  are  differently  interpret- 
ed ;  and 

Whereas,  There  is  some  difference  of  opinion  as  to 
what  rights,  privileges,  and  courtesies  should  be  accorded 
to  each  individual  synod  by  the  other  synods  ;  and 

Whereas,  The  principles  involved  in  said  Article  III. 
are  held  by  the  Tennessee  Synod  ;  and 

Whereas,  Said  Article  III.  has  not  been  adopted  by 
the  United  Synod,  but  action  upon  it  postponed  to  its  next 
meeting  ;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we,  the  ministers  and  delegates  of  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  do  emphatically 
reiterate  the  principles  set  forth  at  Dallas,  North  Carolina, 
in  1886,  as  our  position,  viz.:  "That  in  adopting  it  (The 
Report  of  the  Delegates  to  the  Diet  at  Roanoke,  Va.),  as 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod  rejects  all  eccle- 


246  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGEUCAI, 

siastical  union  and  co-operation  which  is  not  based  on  the 
pure  Lutheran  teaching  and  faith ;  as,  the  Exchange  of 
Pulpits,  Promiscuous  Communion  or  Altar  Fellowship, 
Secret  Society  Worship,  and  Chiliasm,  we,  the  ministers 
and  lay-delegates,  in  Synod  assembled,  do  hereby  recom- 
mend or  advise  the  committee,  or  chairman  of  the  committee, 
appointed  by  the  United  Synod  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church  in  the  South,  to  prepare  By-laws  for  its  government, 
in  drafting  such  By-laws,  so  to  formulate  them  as  to  require 
every  teacher  or  professor  who  may  be  appointed  as  a 
teacher  or  professor  in  any  theological  seminary  that  she 
may  establish  or  put  into  operation,  to  take  an  obligation 
not  to  teach,  practice,  or  inculcate  anything  that  comes  in 
conflict  with  thes§  principles,  or  the  doctrines  of  the  Church. 

"That  we  trust  the  said  United  Synod  will  feel  the 
importance  of  acquiescing  in  this  precautionary  request, 
with  a  view  to  the  good  of  the  church ;  especially  as  this 
is  desired  only  in  work  for  which  each  Synod  will  be  held 
responsible  in  its  united  efforts,  and  which  it  should  be  able 
to  defend  and  maintain  according  to  the  pure  doctrines  and 
practices  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  as  over 
against  sectarian  innovations  and  corruptions,  leaving  each 
Synod  in  connection  with  the  United  Synod  in  its  individual 
synodical  transactions,  so  to  shape  its  course  as  ultimately 
to  attain  that  higher  plain  in  doctrine  and  practice  so  charac- 
teristic of  the  true  Church." 

Resolved,  That  until  such  position  is  taken  by  the 
United  Synod,  by  adopting  the  principles  contained  in 
Article  III.  of  proposed  By-laws,  the  Tennessee  Synod  can- 
not co-operate  with  the  United  Synod  in  her  work. 

J.  P.  Price  having  sustained  a  satisfactory  examination 
in  regard  to  his  qualifications  to  bear  the  office  of  Pastor, 
was  ordained. 

J.  T.  Miller  was  examined  and  ordained  to  the  office  of 
Pastor,  by  a  special  committee,  during  this  synodical  year. 

The  President  having  called    attention   in   his  regular 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  247 

report  to  the  deaths  of  Rev.  J.  P.  Smeltzer,  D.  D.,  and  Rev. 
M.  L.  Fox,  M.  D.,  the  following  action  was  taken  : 

Whereas,  In  the  providence  of  God,  Revs.  M.  L.  Fox  and 
J.  P.  Smeltzer,  D.  D.,  have  been  called  from  their  labors  in 
the  Church  militant  to  their  rest  in  the  Church  triumphant : 

Resolved  1 .  That  while  the  Tennessee  Synod  has  lost 
able  and  efficient  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  the  families  dear 
friends  and  kind  husbands,  and  the  States  and  communities 
honored  citizens,  we  bow  in  humble  submission  to  the  will 
of  Him  who  doth  all  things  well. 

Resolved  2.  That  we  spread  these  resolutions  upon  the 
face  of  our  Minutes  as  an  humble  tribute  of  respect  to  their 
memory,  as  an  appreciation  of  their  worth  and  merits,  and 
as  a  token  of  esteem  in  which  they  were  held. 

Resolved,  That  a  page,  containing  the  name,  the  date 
of  the  death,  and  the  age,  be  devoted  to  the  memory  of  the 
deceased  brethren. 

Rev.  S.  Henkel  having  stated  to  Synod  that  there  is  a 
probability  that  another  edition  of  the  New  Market,  Va., 
edition  of  the  Christian  Book  of  Concord,  or  Symbolical 
Books,  will  be  published  in  the  near  future,  if  the  enterprise 
meet  with  proper  encouragement,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  Synod  hail  with  pleasure  that  announce- 
ment, and  shall  give  it  proper  encouragement. 

So  too,  relative  to  the  History  of  the  Tennessee  Synod, 
it  was 

Moved,  That  we  have  heard  the  statement  of  Dr.  S. 
Henkel  with  reference  to  the  publication  of  his  History  of 
the  Tennessee  Synod,  and  that  we  make  earnest  efforts  to 
introduce  the  work  among  our  people. 

The  report  on  the  state  of  the  Church  is  quite  favorable 
and  encouraging.  The  usual  routine  business  was  trans- 
acted in  a  regular  way. 

The  following  delegates  were  elected  to  the  next  meet- 
ing of  the  United  Synod  : 

Principals— Revs.  S.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  A.  L.  Crouse,  J. 
P.  Stirewalt,  J.  C.  Moser,  J.  S.  Koiner,  J.  M.  Smith,  W.  P. 


248  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

Cline,  J.  A.  Rudisill,  J.  K.  Efird,  E.  L,.  Lybrand,  and 
Messrs.  Ambrose  L,.  Henkel,  Isaiah  Printz,  Philip  Killiany 
A.  M.  Huit,  Luther  Mosteller,  J.  L,.  Yount,  A.  C.  Lineber- 
ger,  J.  S.  Iyipe,  C.  M.  Efird,  Maj.  H.  A.  Meetze. 

Alternates — Revs.  I.  Conder,  John  N.  Stirewalt,  P.  C. 
Wike,  P.  C.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  M.  £.  Little,  C.  H.  Bernheim, 
R.  A.  Yoder,  D.  J.  Settlemyre,  D.  Efird,  J.  A.  Cromer,  and 
Messrs.  Wm.  CofFman,  A.  Dodson,  D.  I.  Offman,  D.  M. 
Wyant,  Wm.  Yoder,  G.  M.  Yoder,  H.  F.  McCaslin,  D.  A. 
Coon,  W.  Henry  Hare,  D.  C.  Boland. 

The  reports  on  Literary  Institutions  were  favorable. 

The  Parochial  Report  shows  3 1  ministers,  101  churches, 
89  adult  baptisms,  889  infant  baptisms,  662  confirmations, 
9,392  communicants,  and  14,120  souls. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Holly  Grove  Church,  Ilex, 
Davidson  County,  North  Carolina,  November  8,  1889. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Michael  L.  Fox,  M.  D. — At  his  residence  in 
Randolph  County,  North  Carolina,  July  22,  1S88,  Rev.  Michael  L.  Fox, 
M.  D.,  departed  this  life  ;  aged  63  years,  6  months,  and  10  days. 

•  He  was  a  son  of  Christian  and  Charity  Fox.  In  his  infancy  he 
was  dedicated  to  God  through  the  Sacrament  of  Holy  Baptism,  and  at 
a  more  mature  age  he  entered  into  full  communion  with  the  Evangel- 
ical Lutheran  Church,  through  the  rite  of  Confirmation,  Rev.  Henry 
Goodman  officiating. 

In  early  life  he  commenced  the  practice  of  medicine,  and  iu  that 
profession  he  proved  most  successful  and  efficient.  His  practice  was 
extensive,  not  only  in  his  own  county,  but  also  in  adjoining  counties. 
He  represented  his  county,  one  session,  in  the  State  Legislature,  with 
satisfaction  to  his  constituents. 

In  1871  he  entered  the  office  of  the  Gospel  ministry,  in  connection 
with  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod,  and,  in  that  capacity, 
proved  zealous,  faithful,  and  efficient.  He  served  acceptably,  during 
his  ministry,  three  congregations  ;  one  in  Randolph  County,  one  in 
Guilford  County,  and  one  in  Alamance.  Notwithstanding  his  practice 
as  a  physician  was  extensive  and  laborious,  he  never  failed  to  meet  his 
appointments,  in  an  ecclesiastical  point  of  view. 

His  remains  were  placed  to  rest,  till  the  resurrection  morn,  iu 
Melauchthon  church  yard,  Rev.  B.  W.  Cronk  rendering  the  burial 
service  in  the  midst  of  an   unusually  large  concourse  of  relatives  and 


LUTHERAN  TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  249 

sympathizing  friends.  In  all  the  relations  of  life,  he  gained  the  highest 
esteem  among  all  who  knew  him. 

On  the  second  Sunday  of  November,  188S,  his  funeral  was  preach- 
ed at  Melanchthon  Church,  Randolph  County,  N.  C,  by  Rev.  P.  C. 
Henkel,  D.  D.,  from  1  Thess.  4,  13-18,  in  the  presence  of  a  very  large 
congregation  of  relatives  and  affectionate  friends,  taking  his  position 
at  the  door  of  the  church,  as  not  more  than  one-third  of  the  people 
could  get  room  in  the  house. 

He  leaves  a  widow,  two  daughters,  and  five  sons, — two  of  whom 
are  practicing  physicians, — to  lament  their  irreparable  loss  of  a  kind 
husband  and  an  affectionate  father.  Thus  another  true  soldier  of  the 
cross  has  been  promoted  to  the  triumphant  army  in  that  better  country. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  J.  P.  Smeltzer,  D.  D. — Dr.  Smeltzer  was  born  in 
Frederick  County,  Maryland,  September  10,  1819.  He  received  a 
liberal  education,  and  about  the  time  he  reached  manhood  was  or- 
dained a  minister  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  He  was  for  several  years 
principal  of  a  well-known  and  popular  educational  institution  at 
Harper's  Ferry,  Virginia,  and  was  at  different  times  pastor  of  the 
churches  at  Shepherdstown,  West  Virginia,  and  Salem,  Virginia.  In 
1 861,  so  great  had  become  his  reputation  as  an  instructor,  that  he  was 
elected  president  of  Newberry  College,  South  Carolina.  He  removed 
to  South  Carolina,  and  conducted  the  affairs  of  this  institution  with 
signal  ability  when  the  college  was  located  at  Newberry,  and  after  its 
removal  to  Walhalla  until  1879,  when  the  college  was  again  taken 
back  to  Newberry.  In  that  year  he  resigned  the  presidency  of  the 
institution,  and  established  at  his  mountain  home  the  Walhalla  Female 
College,  of  which  he  was  the  head  until  1885. 

During  his  labors  as  a  teacher,  Dr.  Smeltzer  did  not  discontinue 
his  work  in  the  pulpit.  Last  spring,  his  health  having  given  way 
under  the  ceaseless  toil  of  many  years,  Dr.  Smeltzer  came  to  Charles- 
ton, where  he  spent  the  last  few  months  of  his  life.  Dr.  Smeltzer  was 
a  very  forcible  preacher.  He  was  possessed  of  profound  powers  of 
analysis,  and  preached  with  great  effectiveness.  For  his  theological 
learning  the  degree  of  doctor  of  divinity  was  conferred,  upon  him  by 
Erskiue  College. 

He  was  one  of  the  oldest  as  well  as  one  of  the  ablest  and  most 
impressive  preachers  of  his  age. 

Soon  after  the  death  of  his  wife,  he  resigned  his  position  in  Wal- 
halla Female  Seminary,  South  Carolina,  and  having  received  a  call, 
he  took  charge  of  the  Springhill,  South  Carolina,  charge,  and  this 
charge  being  in  connection  with  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee 
Synod,  he  received  an  honorable  discharge  from  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  South  Carolina  Synod,  and  was  received  into  the  said  Ten- 
nessee Synod,  October,  1886. 


250  HISTORY   OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

He  died  at  the  residence  of  his  son,  Mr.  John  B.  Smeltzer,  of 
Charleston,  South  Carolina,  October  31,  1887  ;  aged  68  years,  1  month, 
and  2i  days  His  funeral  services  were  conducted  by  Rev.  Dr.  Muller 
and  Rev.  Dr.  Hern.  His  remains  were  conveyed  to  Walhalla,  and 
interred. 

Sixty- Ninth  Session. 

This  meeting  convened  in  Holly  Grove  Church,  Ilex, 
Davidson  County,  North  Carolina,  November  8,  1889. 

The  officers  elected  were  Rev.  A.  L.  Cronse,  president; 
Rev.  J.  Paul  Stirewalt,  recording  secretary  ;  Rev.  Prof.  W. 
P.  Cline,  corresponding  secretary  ;  Rev.  J.  N.  Stirewalt, 
treasurer  ;  Rev.  J.  M.  Smith,  treasurer  beneficiary  fund  ; 
and  Rev.  S.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  assistant  treasurer  beneficiary 
fund. 

During  this  session,  on  proper  petitions  from  congrega- 
tions desiring  ministerial  services,  and  after  sustaining  satis- 
factory examinations,  the  following  theological  students 
were  ordained  to  the  office  of  Pastor,  Rev.  T.  Moser  preach- 
ing the  ordination  sermon  :  J.  P.  Miller,  W.  L-  Darr,  and 
David  I.  Offman. 

Rev.  Prof.  J.  G.  Schaid,  having  received  a  letter  of 
honorable  dismission  from  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod 
of  North  Carolina,  and  sustained  a  satisfactory  examination, 
was  received  into  Synod. 

Rev.  J.  F.  Moser,  who  had  been,  according  to  resolu- 
tion, examined  and  ordained,  at  a  convention  of  the  North 
Carolina  Conference  of  the  Tennessee  Synod,  during  the 
synodical  year,  was  received  into  Synod. 

The  following  applicants  for  the  ministerial  office,  were, 
after  examination  and  approval,  received  under  the  care  of 
the  Synod  :  S.  S.  Keisler,  J.  T.  Craps,  G.  E.  Long,  R.  L. 
Fritz,  I).  F.  Conrad,  A.  R.  Beck,  W.  H.  Roof,  and  A.  V. 
Sherrill. 

Mt.  Tabor,  Richland  County,  South  Carolina,  Mt.  Olive, 
Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,  St.  Luke's,  Union  County, 
North  Carolina,  and  Bethel,  Prince  William  County,  Vir- 
ginia, were  received  in  connection  with  Synod. 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  25 1 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  Missions,  was  quite 
favorable  and  encouraging,  in  regard  to  the  work  in  Vir- 
ginia, North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  and  Alabama. 

The  reports  of  the  committees  on  the  state  of  the  Church 
and  Literary  Institutions,  were  commendable  and  gratifying. 

Rev.  Prof.  J.  S.  Koiner  having  resigned,  Rev.  Prof.  R. 
A.  Yoder  was  elected  as  theological  professor  in  Concordia 
College. 

The  President  announced  the  following  committee  to 
secure  $10,000  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  new  college  build- 
ings for  Concordia  College,  Couover,  North  Carolina  :  Revs. 
Prof.  W.  P.  Cline,  Prof.  J.  F.  Moser,  P.  C.  Wike,  Mr.  A. 
M.  Huit,  and  Mr.  Jonas  Hunsucker. 

In  regard  to  an  effort  being  made,  to  establish  a  first- 
class  female  college,  to  be  located  in  the  city  of  Charlotte, 
North  Carolina,  which  institution  is  to  be  conducted  in 
accordance  with  the  Confessional  Basis  of  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Church,  as  contained  in  the  Book  of  Concord,  and 
in  which  Luther's  Catechism  and  Lutheran  training  are  to 
constitute  part  of  the  college  curriculum,  commendable 
action  was  taken. 

Appropriations  were  made  for  three  beneficiary  students. 

The  following  report,  relative  to  a  formula  of  distribu- 
tion in  the  Lord's  Supper,  was  ordered  to  be  spread  on  the 
minutes,  for  consideration  at  the  next  meeting  of  Synod  : 

Resolved  1.  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  body  that  the 
elements  in  the  Lord's  Supper  must  be  distributed  with  the 
unfailing  use  of  Christ's  words  ; 

2.  That  our  pastors  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  instructed 
to  use  the  formula  of  our  Synod  found  in  its  liturgy,  page 
80,  namely  : 

' '  Take,  and  eat ;  this  is  the  body  of  your  Savior,  Jesus 
Christ,  which  is  given  for  you  ;  this  do  in  .remembrance  of 
him." 

"Take,  and  drink  ;  this  is  the  blood  of  your  Savior,  Jesus 
Christ,  which  is  shed  for  you,  for  the  remission  of  sins  ;  this 
do  iniremembrance  of  him." 


252  HISTORY   OP   THE   EVANGELICAL 

The  words,  "May  it  strengthen  and  preserve  you  in  the 
true  faith,  unto  life  everlasting,  Amen,"  may  be  used  after 
the  giving  to  the  whole  or  any  part  of  the  communicants 
present  at  the  altar,  but  never  in  the  act  of  giving  and  re- 
ceiving either  element. 

The  committee,  consisting  of  Revs.  T.  Moser,  J.  R. 
Peterson,  and  M.  L.  Little,  appointed  to  report  resolutions 
on  the  death  of  Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  submitted  the 
following :  « 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  Almighty  God  in  his  wise 
providence  to  remove  our  dear  brother  from  his  labors  in  the 
Church  militant  to  his  reward  in  the  Church  triumphant, 
be  it 

Resolved  1.  That  in  the  death  of  Brother  Henkel  the 
Church  has  lost  an  able  and  valiant  defender  of  her  time- 
honored  doctrines,  the  Synod  a  most  faithful  and  devoted 
member,  society  an  excellent  neighbor  and  loyal  citizen,  and 
the  bereaved  family  an  exemplary  Christian  husband  and 
father. 

2.  That  we  humbly  submit  to  this  dispensation  of  our 
Heavenly  Father,  that  we  devoutly  cherish  the  memory  of 
our  beloved  brother  and  fellow-laborer,  that  we  hereby  ex- 
press our  appreciation  of  his  labors,  toils,  and  sacrifices  for 
the  cause  of  Christ,  and  that  we  lay  seriously  to  heart  the 
solemn  lesson  addressed  to  us. 

3.  That  we  tender  the  family  of  the  deceased  our  sincere 
sympathy  in  their  sad  bereavement,  and  commend  them  to 
the  care  of  the  Good  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  souls. 

4.  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  the  afflicted 
family,  and  that  a  page  of  our  Minutes  be  inscribed  to  the 
memory  of  our  departed  brother  in  Christ. 

Five  churches  were  received. 

Three  ministers  were  ordained  to  the  office  of  Pastor, 
and  two  were  received,  and  eight  applicants  for  the  ministry 
were  taken  under  the  care  of  Synod. 

In  regard  to  the  History  of  the  Tennessee  Synod,  it  was, 

Resolved,  That  this  Synod  hails  with  delight  the  forth- 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  253 

coming  History  of  the  Tennessee  Synod,  by  Rev.  S.  Henkel, 
D.  D.;  that  it  commends  it  to  the  hearty  reception  of  its 
pastors  and  people  ;  and  that  it  make  earnest  effort  to  sell 
it  among  our  people. 

According  to  the  Parochial  Report,  there  were  35  min- 
isters, 105  churches,  660  infant  baptisms,  70  adult  baptisms, 
462  confirmations,  9,426  communicants,  and  14,323  souls. 

During  this  decade,  which  lacks  one  year  of  being  full  ; 
that  is,  nine  years  instead  of  ten,  there  were  6,040  infants 
baptized  and  469  adults,  and  3,653  confirmed,  and  8  minis- 
ters received. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  Mt.  Calvary  Church,  Page 
County,  Virginia,  on  Friday,  10  A.  M.,  before  the  fourth 
Sunday  in  October,    1890. 

According  to  the  Parochial  Reports,  which  do  not,  as 
heretofore  indicated,  give  much  more  than  two-thirds  of  the 
actual  numbers,  there  were,  from  the  organization  of  the 
Synod  down  to  the  close  of  its  session  in  1889,  42, 150  infant 
baptisms,  6,542  adults,  and  795  slaves,  and  20,712  confirmed. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Polycarp  C.  Henkel,  D.  D. — On  the  20th  of 
August,  1820,  -was  born  the  oldest  son  of  Rev.  David  and  Catharine 
Henkel,  in  Lincoln  County,  North  Carolina.  That  son  was  the  Rev. 
Polycarp  C.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  who  is  a  descendant  of  a  long  line  of  dis- 
tinguished Lutheran  ministers.  He  inherited  very  great  physical  and 
mental  powers  from  both  his  parents. 

He  was  early  dedicated  to  God  in  Holy  Baptism,  and  was  received 
into  full  communion  with  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  with  St. 
Peter's  congregation,  Catawba  County,  North  Carolina,  having  been 
catechised  by  Rev.  Daniel  Moser  and  confirmed  by  Rev.  Adam  Miller. 
On  the  5th  day  of  September,  1843,  he  was  married  to  Rebecca  Fox, 
of  Randolph  County,  North  Carolina,  daughter  of  David  Fox.  The 
issues  of  this  union  were  two  sons  and  one  daughter.  The  youngest 
son  preceded  his  father  into  the  spirit  world.  The  other  son,  Hon. 
David  S.  Henkel,  of  New  Market,  Virginia,  and  Mrs.  Catharine  C. 
Lail,  of  Conover,  North  Carolina,  and  his  aged  widow,  survive  him, 
to  mourn  their  loss. 

He  died  at  his  late  residence  in  Conover,  North  Carolina,  on  the 
26th  of  September,  1889,  after  a  few  days  of  intense  suffering,  at  the 
age  of  69  years,  1  month,  and  6  days,  and  was  buried  at  St.  Peter's 
Church,  Catawba  County.  North  Carolina,  September  28,  1889.     Rev. 


254  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

J.  M.  Smith  preached  the  funeral  from  2  Tim.  4,  6-8,  in  the  presence 
of  hundreds  of  people  who  came  from  far  and  near.  He  was  followed 
in  brief,  appropriate  addresses,  by  the  pall-bearers,  Revs.  Yoder, 
Schaid,  Koiuer,  Bernheim,  Little,  and  Rudisill. 

Dr.  P.  C.  Henkel  was  an  extraordinary  man,  and  unique  in  his 
character.  He  has  been  so  long  and  so  favorably  known  in  this 
country,  that  anything  like  an  attempt  at  a  sketch  of  his  life,  would 
seem  useless ;  yet  we  offer  these  few  lines  as  a  tribute  of  respect  to  his- 
memory.  As  a  husband  and  father,  he  was  kind  and  devoted  to  his 
wife  and  children,  anxious  for  their  welfare,  both  temporal  and  spirit- 
ual, and  supplied  them  with  both  precept  and  example. 

As  a  neighbor  and  citizen,  he  was  kind  and  obliging,  always  ready 
to  do  a  favor,  if  it  were  in  his  power,  frequently  disobliging  himself 
and  family  to  oblige  others. 

Intellectually,  he  was  a  powerful  man.  He  was  an  original 
thinker  and  a  fine  logician.  He  would  clinch  every  argument,  and 
in  debate  and  controversy  was  a  formidable  antagonist.  He  would 
consider  well,  make  up  his  opinion  deliberately,  and  when  once  made 
up,  was  very  decided.  He  was  immovable  from  an  opinion  which  was- 
the  result  of  long  and  careful  consideration.  He  would  never,  for  any 
consideration,  go  back  on  his  word.  His  word  was  as  sacred  to  him 
as  a  most  solemn  oath.  In  his  manners  he  was  humble  and  unas- 
suming. Humility  was  manifest  in  all  his  intercourses  with  his  fellow 
man.  Integrity  was  also  a  salient  point  in  his  character.  He  was 
rigidly  honest  and  truthful. 

As  a  minister,  he  was  a  power.  His  style  of  preaching  was  ex- 
pository, plain,  and  forciful.  He  entered  the  ministry  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Lutheran  Church  of  the  Tennessee  Synod  in  1843,  having  been 
ordained  in  Green  County,  Tennessee.  He  preached  for  forty-six 
years  without  interruption,  and  wholly  in  the  Tennessee  Synod,  except 
a  few  years,  while  in  the  State  of  Missouri,  where  he  led  in  the  organi- 
zation of  the  English  District  of  the  Missouri  Synod.  He  labored 
exceedingly  hard  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord.  At  one  time  he  had 
pastoral  charge  of  fifteen  congregations.  He  did  an  immense  amount 
of  missionary  work,  traveled  thousands  of  miles,  in  cold  and  heat,  and 
rain  and  storm,  in  obedience  to  the  call  of  the  Master  to  this  work. 
He  never  shirked  from  duty,  but  was  always  punctual,  and  ready  to 
speak  the  word  of  encouragement  to  the  weak,  the  word  of  comfort  to 
the  sorrowing,  the  word  of  life  to  those  seeking  a  knowledge  of  the 
way  of  life.  He  was  an  uncompromising  antagonist  of  error,  and 
boldly  and  fearlessly  denounced  it  wherever  he  met  with  it. 

As  a  theologian,  he  was  very  profound.  His  range  of  study  was 
broad,  and  his  investigations  were  intense  and  searching,  and  descend- 
ed into  the  very  depths  of  theological  problems,    perhaps   as  far  as 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  255 

"human  mind  could  go.  His  chief  text-books  were  the  Bible  and  the 
Confessions  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  On  Dogmatic  Theology  he  was 
an  acknowledged  authority,  in  the  Lutheran  Church  in  the  South, 
at  least. 

As  a  writer,  he  showed  the  same  originality  of  character  as  in 
other  fields.  His  ideas  were  original,  and  his  style  bold  and  vigorous. 
His  writings  are  not  numerous,  but  the  treatment  of  the  subjects  he 
handled  is  exhaustive.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  he  could  not  devote 
more  of  his  time  to  writing,  and  thus  transmit  to  generations  to  come, 
the  results  of  his  deep  researches  in  theology. 

His  influence  in  all  the  relations  in  which  we  have  mentioned 
him,  as  husband  and  father,  as  neighbor  and  citizen,  as  a  man  and  as 
a  preacher,  and  as  a  theological  writer,  was  very  great.  In  the  Lu- 
theran Church  of  the  South,  he  was,  perhaps,  the  greatest  man  in  its 
history. 

He  labored  hard  and  made  great  sacrifices  to  establish  our  school, 
Concordia  College,  for  the  Tennessee  Synod,  in  which  the  Word  of 
God  should  be  recognized  as  a  factor  in  education,  and  in  which  the 
Bible  and  Luther's  Catechism  should  be  taught  daily.  His  influence 
is  felt  far  beyond  the  limits  of  his  own  Synod,  even  throughout  the 
whole  Southern  Church.  He  was  in  the  midst  of  his  earnest  labors, 
both  writing  and  preaching,  to  raise  the  Lutheran  Church  of  the  South 
to  a  higher  plain  of  doctrine  and  practice,  when  the  Master  called  him 
to  his  reward.  Thus  ended  his  work.  A  good  and  great  man  has 
fallen. 

Obituary  of  Rev.  Henry  Wetzel. — At  his  residence,  near  Cal- 
vary, about  two  miles  west  of  Woodstock,  Shenandoah  County,  Vir- 
ginia, March  3,  1890,  after  a  complicated  illness  of  three  or  four 
months  duration,  Rev.  Henry  Wetzel  departed  this  life ;  aged  74 
years,  2  mouths,  and  20  days. 

His  funeral  services  took  place  from  Mt.  Calvary  Church,  March 
5,  at  10  A.  M.,  Rev.  P.  C.  Wike  officiating.  His  remains  were  then 
conveyed  to  Zion's  Church,  a  distance  of  six  miles,  and  laid  to  rest  by 
the  side  of  his  consort  who  preceded  him  to  eternity. 

He  was  born  in  Southwest  Virginia,  near  the  Tennessee  line,  of 
Christian  parents,  who  brought  him  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition 
of  God.  He  prepared  himself  for  the  Gospel  ministry,  and  was  or- 
dained to  the  office  of  pastor,  by  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Tennessee 
Synod,  at  its  session  held  in  Rader's  Church,  near  Timberville,  Rock- 
ingham County,  Virginia,  in  the  year  1841,  and  continued  in  the 
active  services  of  the  ministry  until  within  a  few  months  of  his  death, 
— a  period  of  forty-nine  years.  During  his  ministry,  he  served  con- 
gregations in  Augusta,  Rockingham,  and  Shenandoah  Counties,  Vir- 
ginia, as  well  as  congregations  in  West  Virginia,  doing  much  missionary 


256  HISTORY    OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

work.  He  also  served  a  congregation  in  Baltimore,  Maryland,  for 
several  years. 

He  was  a  man  of  strong  mind  and  indomitable  energy,  an  able 
and  impressive  preacher,  both  in  the  German  and  English  languages, 
sound  in  the  faith,  and  ever  ready  to  promulgate,  maintain,  defend, 
and  perpetuate  the  true  doctrines  and  usages  of  the  church,  in  their 
purity  and  simplicity.  He  was  an  able,  fearless,  formidable  debater, 
full  of  zeal  and  perseverance. 

By  assiduous  effort  and  close  application  to  study  and  investiga- 
tion, he  attained  an  eminent  degree  in  literature  and  theology,  as  well 
as  in  church  history  and  dogmatics.  He  was  one  of  the  ablest  minis- 
ters in  the  Valley  of  Virginia.  He  possessed  an  extensive  library,  and 
he  really  used  it.  He  took  great  delight  in  reading  the  Confessions  of 
the  Church  and  Luther's  Entire  Works.  He  was  quite  familiar  with 
them,  frequently  making  translations  from  them. 

When  the  translation  of  the  Christian  Book  of  Concord,  or  the 
Symbolical  Books  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  into  the 
English  language,  was  undertaken,  he  was  selected  to  make  a  purely 
literal  translation  of  the  Epitome  ;  so,  too,  when  Luther's  Church- 
Postil  on  the  Epistles  was  translated  for  publication  in  the  English, 
he  was  selected  to  prepare  a  similar  translation  of  the  third  volume. 

He  was  a  son  of  George  and  Margaret  Wetzel.  He  entered 
into  the  estate  of  matrimony  with  Miss  Mary  C.  Staubus,  daughter  of 
Christian  and  Mary  E.  Staubus,  of  Augusta  Cqnnty,  Virginia,  Decem- 
ber 5,  1839,  with  whom  he  had  seven  children, — six  daughters  and 
one  sou. 

He  leaves  two  daughters  and  several  grand-children,  with  numer- 
ous other  relatives  and  friends,  to  lament  his  departure.  Having  fin- 
ished his  course  here,  he  has  now  gone  to  the  spirit  world,  to  enjoy, 
as  we  trust,  that  rest  and  those  rewards  prepared  for  the  faithful. 

As  the  following  papers  were  submitted  to  Synod  for 
its  action,  it  was  deemed  proper  to  give  them  a  place  here. 

Basis  of  Union  of  the   United  Synod  of  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran   Church  in  the  South. 

I.  The  Confessional  Basis. 

1.  The  Holy  Scriptures,  the  Inspired  Writings  of  the 
Old  and  New  Testaments,  the  only  standard  of  doctrine  and 
church  discipline. 

2.  As  a  true  and  faithful  exhibition  of  the  doctrines  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures  in  regard  to  matters  of  faith  and  prac- 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  257 

tice,  the  three  ancient  symbols,  the  Apostolic,  the  Nicene, 
and  the  Athanasian  Creeds,  and  the  Unaltered  Augsburg 
Confession  of  Faith.  Also  the  other  Symbolical  Books  of 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  viz.:  the  Apology,  the 
Smalcald  Articles,  the  Small  and  Large  Catechisms  of  Lu- 
ther, and  the  Formula  of  Concord,  consisting  of  the  Epitome 
and  Full  Declaration,  as  they  are  set  forth,  defined,  and  pub- 
lished in  the  Christian  Book  of  Concord,  or  the  Symbolical 
Books  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  published  in 
the  year  1580,  (see  Epitome  of  the  Compendious  Ride  and 
Standard,  and  the  Sol.  Declaration — Preface),  as  true  and 
Scriptural  developments  of  the  doctrines  taught  in  the  Augs- 
burg Confession,  and  in  the  perfect  harmony  .of  one  and  the 
same  pure,  Scriptural  faith. 

II.  The  Object  and  Aim. 

Outward  expression  of  the  spiritual  unity  of  the  Synods 
concerned  ;  mutual  strengthening  in  faith  and  confession  ; 
unification  of  all  Lutherans  in  one  orthodox  faith,  and 
mutual  co-operation  in  the  promotion  of  the  more  general 
interests  of  the  Church  ;  as,  books  of  worship,  liturgies, 
theological  seminaries,  charitable  institutions,  immigrant 
missions,  foreign  missions,  and  important  home  missionary 
operations. 

III.  Its  Powers. 

Its  powers  shall  be  only  of  an  advisory  and  recommend- 
atory character  in  all  matters,  except  such  as  pertain  to  the 
general  interests  or  operations  of  the  Church,  as  already 
indicated.  In  regard  to  these,  it  shall  be  invested  with  such 
powers  as  the  Synods  composing  it  may  delegate  to  it. 

IV.  Its  Sphere. 

In  its  operations,  it  shall  not  interfere  with  the  legiti- 
mate work  of  the  Synods  in  its  connections. 

V.  Its  Constitution. 
Its  Constitution  shall  contain  nothing  that  is  in  conflict 
with  this  basis  of  union. 


258  HISTORY   OF  THE   EVANGELICAL 

Constitution  of  the  United  Synod  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church  in  the  South. 

In  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 

Holy  Ghost. 

I.  Name. 

The  name  of  this  body  shall  be    The    United   Synod 

of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  in  the  South. 

II.  Doctrinal  Basis. 

The  Doctrinal  Basis  of  the  organization  shall  be, 

1.  The  Holy  Scriptures,  the  Inspired  Writings  of  the 
Old  and  New  Testaments,  the  only  standard  of  doctrine  and 
church  discipline. 

2.  As  a  true  and  faithful  exhibition  of  the  doctrines  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures  in  regard  to  matters  of  faith  and  prac- 
tice, the  three  Ancient  Symbols,  the  Apostolic,  the  Nicene, 
and  the  Athanasian  Creeds,  and  the  Unaltered  Augsburg 
Confession  of  Faith  ;  also,  the  other  Symbolical  Books  of 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  viz.:  The  Apology, 
the  Smalcald  Articles,  the  Small  and  Large  Catechisms  of 
Luther,  and  the  Formula  of  Concord*,  consisting  of  the 
Epitome  and  Full  Declaration,  as  they  are  set  forth,  defined, 
and  published  in  the  Christian  Book  of  Concord,  or  the 
Symbolical  Books  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  published  in  the 
year  1580,  (see  the  Epitome  of  the  Compendious  Rule  and 
Standard,  and  the  Sol.  Declarations — Preface)  as  true  and 
Scriptural  developments  of  the  doctrines  taught  in  the  Augs- 
burg Confession,  and  in  the  perfect  harmony  of  one  and  the 
same  pure,  Scriptural  faith. 

III.  Object  and  Aim. 

The  object  and  aim  of  this  Synod  shall  be  outward 
expression  of  the  spiritual  unity  of  the  Synods  concern- 
ed ;  mutual  strengthening  in  faith  and  confession ;  unifi- 
cation of  all  Lutherans  in  one  orthodox  faith,  and  mu- 
tual co-operation  in  the  promotion  of  the  more  general 
interests  of  the  Church  ;  as,  books  of  worship,  liturgies, 
theological  seminaries,   charitable  institutions,    immigrant 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  259 

missions,  foreign  missions,  and  important  home  missionary 
operations. 

IV.  Components  of  the  Body. 

1.  This  body  shall  consist  of  delegates  from  all  Evan- 
gelical Lutheran  Synods,  having  adopted  this  Constitution, 
who  may  present  themselves  properly  accredited  by  the 
presiding  officers  of  their  Synods. 

2.  These  delegates  shall  be  chosen  in  the  following 
ratio :  one  Minister  and  one  L,ay-Delegate  for  every  one 
thousand  communicants  or  fraction  thereof. 

3.  A  majority  of  the  delegates  elected,  provided  a  ma- 
jority of  the  Synods  are  thereby  represented,  shall  constitute 

a  quorum. 

V.  Officers. 

1.  The  officers  of  this  Synod  shall  be  a  President,  a 
Vice-President,  a  Secretary,  and  a  Treasurer.  They  shall 
be  elected  by  ballot.  Ministers  alone  shall  be  eligible  to 
the  offices  of  President  and  Vice-President,  but  both  clerical 
and  lay-delegates  to  those  of  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  No 
one  shall  be  elected  President  for  more  than  two  conven- 
tions  in  succession. 

2.  The  President  shall  act  as  chairman  of  the  conven- 
tion. He  may  give  his  opinion,  and,  whenever  the  delegates 
shall  be  equally  divided  upon  any  question,  he  shall  have 
the  casting  vote.  He  shall  subscribe  all  letters,  written 
advices,  resolutions,  and  proceedings  of  the  body.  In  ex- 
traordinary cases,  and  by  request  of  any  one  of  the  Synods 
belonging  to  this  organization,  made  known  to  him  in  the 
form  of  a  Synodical  resolution,  he  may  call  special  conven- 
tions of  the  body,  of  which  not  less  than  six  weeks'  notice 
shall  be  given. 

3.  If,  for  any  cause,  the  President  is  unable  to  dis- 
charge his  duties,  the  Vice-President  shall  take  his  place. 

4.  The  Secretary  shall  keep  a  journal  of  the  proceed- 
ings of  this  Synod,  and  write,  attest,  and  take  care  of  all 
its  documents.  He  shall  also  make  known  the  time  and 
place  of  meetings  through  the    Church    papers,    published 


260  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 

within  the  bounds  of  the  body,  at  least  three  months  before- 
hand. In  ease  of  special  conventions,  such  as  provided  for 
in  Section  2  of  this  Article,  he  shall  make  known  the  time 
and  place  of  meeting  as  soon  as  informed  by  the  President. 
Should  the  duties  of  the  Secretary  become  too  burdensome 
for  one  person,  the  President,  at  his  suggestion,  may  ap- 
point an  assistant  secretary. 

5.  The  Treasurer  shall  keep  an  account  of  the  receipts 
and  expenditures  of  the  body.  He  shall  give  receipts  for 
all  funds  put  into  his  hands.  He  shall  make  no  disburse- 
ments except  by  resolution  of  the  Synod  and  upon  the 
written  order  of  the  President,  attested  by  the  Secretary. — 
At  every  convention  he  shall  render  an  account. 

6.  Should  any  officer  of  this  body,  in  the  interim  of  its 
regular  conventions,  depart  this  life,  resign  his  office,  or 
become  incapable  of  executing  the  same,  then  the  other 
officers  shall  appoint  some  capable  and  faithful  man  to  serve 
in  his  place  until  the  next  regular  meeting — save  in  the  case 
otherwise  provided  for  in  Section  3  of  this  Article. 

VI.  Powers. 
The  powers  of  the  body  shall  be  only  of  an  advisory 
and  recommendatory  character  in  all  matters,  except  such  as 
pertain  to  the  general  interests  or  operations  of  the  Church, 
as  already  indicated  in  Article  III.  In  regard  to  these  it 
shall  be  invested  with  such  powers  as  the  Synods  composing 
it  may  delegate  to  it.  In  its  operations  it  shall  not  interfere 
with  the  legitimate  work  of  the  Synods  in  its  connection. 

VII.  By-Laws. 
This  body  shall  make  such  By-L,aws  as  it  may  deem 
necessary.     No  By-Law,  however,  shall  be  adopted  which 
conflicts  with  any  article  of  this  Constitution. 

VIII.  Amendments. 

1.  The  Doctrinal  Basis  of  this  Constitution  shall  ever 
remain  unaltered. 

2.  No   alteration   of  other  parts  of  this   Constitution 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  261 

shall  be  made  except  with  the  consent  of  two-thirds  of  the 
Synods  connected  with  this  organization.  An  exact  copy 
of  the  intended  alterations  must  be  sent  by  the  Secretary  to 
the  Presidents  of  the  District  Synods  in  connection  with  the 
body,  with  the  request  that  they  submit  them  to  their  re- 
spective Synods  for  decision.  If,  at  the  next  convention,  it 
shall  appear  that  two-thirds  of  the  District  Synods  are  in 
favor  of  the  alteration,  it  shall  be  declared  adopted. 


262  HISTORY   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL 


CHAPTER  VI. 

ITS  POLICY. 
In  view  of  the  clear  teachings  of  the  Augsburg 
Confession,  article  twenty-eight,  in  regard  to  church  gov- 
ernment, that  "the  two  governments,  the  civil  and  the 
ecclesiastical,  ought  not  to  be  mingled  and  confounded, " 
but  kept  distinct  from  each  other,  and  in  view  of  the  posi- 
tion taken  by  our  Revolutionary  fathers,  based  on  the  prin- 
ciple evolved  in  the  Reformation  of  the  sixteenth  century, 
in  the  establishment  of  our  State  governments,  and  dreading 
whatever  savors  of  the  union  of  Church  and  State,  the  Ten- 
nessee Synod  pursued  a  cautious  and  judicious  course  in  her 
policy,  lest  it  might  give  occasion  for  some  of  the  evils  and 
calamities  with  which  the  church  had  been  afflicted  in- 
different ages  and  in  different  countries,  by  a  combination 
of  civil  and  ecclesiastical  powers.  So  cautious  was  the 
Synod  in  regard  to  this  matter,  that  several  writers  have 
presumed  to  charge  it  with  adhering  too  closely  to  "the 
Jeffersonian  principles  of  Democracy."  Be  this  as  it  may, 
its  policy  seems  to  be,  in  many  respects,  closely  in  accord 
with  the  teachings  of  the  Bible,  as  set  forth  in  the  twenty- 
eighth  article  of  the  Augsburg  Confession.  And  possibly 
there  was  great  reason  for  caution  at  that  time,  from  the  fact, 
that  none  of  the  Synods  then  recognized  that  article,  and 
that  there  was  a  move  to  effect  a  union  of  the  different, 
principal  Protestant  denominations,  and  have  that  recog- 
nized as  the  State  Church. 

i.  In  its  policy,  it*  took  the  position,  in  the  outset,  that 
the  rules  and  principles  of  church  government  are  contained 
in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  that  no  Christian  organization 
has  the  right  to  make  any  rules  or  regulations  which  are 
not  strictly  in  accord  with  the  Bible.  It  condemned  and 
rejected  all  human  traditions,  or  rules  or  regulations  im- 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  263 

posed  on  the  Church  as  necessary  to  Christian  fellowship, 
which  are  not  well  and  clearly  founded  in  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures. It  even  denied  the  right  of  a  majority  to  decide  or 
control  matters  relative  to  doctrine  and  church  discipline. 
The  only  standard  by  which  such  things  can  be  decided,  is 
the  Word  of  God.  The  fact,  that  a  majority  might  decide 
against  a  doctrine  clearly  taught  in  Divine  Revelation, 
should  be  no  sufficient  reason  that  the  minority  should  re- 
ject or  denounce  such  doctrine. 

2.  Its  position  is,  that  synods  are  only  advisory  bodies, 
and  that  they  have  no  right  to  receive  appeals  from  the 
decisions  of  congregations,  or  to  make  rules  or  regulations 
which  are  absolutely  binding  on  the  congregations.  Of 
course,  synods  may  recommend  certain  regulations  for  the 
conduct  of  congregations,  and  advise  them  to  adopt  such 
rules,  but  they  have  no  right  to  enforce  them  contrary  to 
the  will  of  the  people.  The  chief  business  of  synods,  ac- 
cording to  its  position,  is  to  impart  useful  advice,  to  employ 
the  proper  means  for  the  promotion  and  perpetuation  of  the 
Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  detect  and  expose  erroneous  doc- 
trines and  false  teachers,  a'nd,  on  application,  to  examine 
candidates  for  the  ministry;  and  if  they  sustain  a  suitable 
examination,  and  there  are  applications  for  their  services 
in  a  congregation  or  congregations,  to  ordain  them  to  the 
office  of  the  ministry,  in  a  regular,  churchly  way.  Synods 
are  composed  of  congregations,  represented  by  ministers 
and  lay-delegates ;  and  when  persons  representing  these 
classes  are  present,  the  one  class  shall  not  transact  business 
without  the  presence  and  co-operation  of  the  other.  The 
right  to  examine  and  ordain  candidates  to  the  ministerial 
office,  does  not,  however,  belong  exclusively  to  synods. 
Congregations  have  the  right  to  choose  fit  persons  for  the 
ministry,  and  individual  pastors  have  authority  to  ordain 
them  to  such  office. 

3.  It  was  opposed  to  the  incorporation  of  synods  by 
civil  government,  or  of  their  holding,  as  incorporated  bodies, 
any  institutions.     For  this  would  be  blending  of  civil  and 


264  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

ecclesiastical  authority.  It  would  give  synods  power  to 
sue  and  be  sued,  and  to  levy  taxes  on  their  members,  and 
to  compel  them  to  pay  them,  just  the  same  as  any  civil 
incorporation.  It  is  amply  sufficient  for  the  best  interests 
of  the  Church,  for  civil  government  to  protect  the  property 
of  the  Church  by  its  acts  of  legislation  and  incorporation  of 
certain  individuals  as  trustees,  to  hold  its  institutions, 
against  damage  and  infringement,  for  the  purposes  for 
which  they  are  intended.  The  incorporation  of  a  synod, 
holding  within  its  own  corporate  limits  certain  property,  is 
one  thing,  and  lending  its  influence  and  patronage  in  favor 
of  colleges,  or  other  institutions  so  incorporated  and  held  by 
trustees,  for  certain  purposes,  without  any  legal  claim  on 
synods  as  incorporated  bodies,  is  something  very  different, 
and  can  lead  to  no  conflict  between  the  Church  and  the 
State. 

4.  For  the  purpose  of  raising  funds  for  the  promotion 
of  the  Gospel  and  the  extension  of  the  Kingdom  of  Christ, 
the  Synod  suggested  the  propriety  of  each  congregation 
having  a  treasury  for  itself,  in  which  to  deposit  all  the 
money  that  each  member  or  other  person  might  freely  give. 
The  moneys  thus  contributed  were  used  to  defray  the  cost 
of  printing  the  minutes  of  the  Synod,  to  aid  traveling  min- 
isters, and  for  other  purposes  which  would  best,  enhance  the 
interests  of  the  churches  or  congregations.  The  manner,  in 
which  these  treasuries  were  to  be  kept,  and  the  disburse- 
ments, made,  was  left  to  the  good  judgment  of  the  church 
councils  and  the  ministers  acquiescing.  The  moneys  were 
to  be  gathered  at  every  meeting,  each  month  or  every  three 
months.  At  every  meeting  of  Synod,  the  council  of  each 
church  was  expected  to  make  a  report  of  the  amounts  thus 
collected.  The  contributions  were  generally  quite  liberal, 
judging  from  the  amount  of  printing  that  was  done,  and  the 
extensive  traveling  expenses,  and  other  matters,  that  were 
defrayed  from  such  collections.  It  is  true,  there  may  not 
have  been  as  much  boasting  about  liberality  during  the  for- 
mer period  of  the  Synod,  as  there  is  at  the  present  age,  but 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  265 

the  probability  is,  that  there  were  more  real  charity  and  free 
giving. 

Perhaps,  it  would  not  be  wide  of  the  fact  to  state,  that 
possibly  there  is  more  time  spent  by  the  different  denomi- 
nations in  collecting  their  dimes,  through  their  innumerable 
societies,  treasuries,  and  manipulations,  which  must  be 
rung  "from  Maine  to  Georgia,"  than  there  is  in  teaching, 
preaching,  and  admonishing.  Money,  money,  is  the  con- 
tinual cry  everywhere.  Congregations  are  divided  up  into 
too  many  distinct  societies  or  organizations,  each  one  claim- 
ing a  distinct  organization.  A  house  divided  against  itself 
cannot  well  stand  long.  Whither  is  the  Church  tending  ? 
Is  there  not  too  much  extravagance  and  too  little  economy  ? 
The  love  of  money  is  the  root  of  all  evil,  and  is  not  this 
evil  cropping  out  in  all  directions?  Every  church  member 
was  expected  to  contribute  to  the  pastor's  salary  and  to  the 
other  expenses  of  the  church,,  in  the  promotion  of  the  Gos- 
pel, and  where  people  are  taught  the  pure  doctrines  of  the 
Gospel  and  earnestly  admonished  according  to  the  Scrip- 
tures, they  are  most  likely  to  become  liberal  and  perform 
their  duties  in  the  different  relations  of  life. 

5.  In  tracing  the  policy  of  the  Synod  in  all  its  aspects 
and  bearings,  it  will  be  found  that  it  held  that  the  power 
of  the  Church  is  founded  in  the  eternal  nature  and  relation 
of  things,  having  its  lodgment  in  the  congregations — for 
wherever  the  Gospel  is  preached  in  its  purity  and  believed, 
and  the  Sacraments  are  administered  and  received  according 
to  the  Gospel,  there  is  the  true  Church, — and  that  synods 
or  councils  are  only  advisory  bodies,  having  only  such 
powers  as  the  churches  may  invest  them  with.  They  are 
not  sovereign. 


266  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 


CHAPTER  VII. 

ITS  FUTURE. 

It  required  much  care,  investigation,  attention,  and 
thoughtful  consideration  to  trace  and  present  fairly  and 
honestly  the  history  of  the  Synod,  in  all  its  aspects  and 
bearings,  and  possibly  it  will  require  more  insight,  thought, 
and  conception  to  formulate  anything  like  proper  views  in 
regard  to  its  future.  But  the  past  may  be  often  taken  as  a 
somewhat  reliable  index  of  the  future.  If  truth,  fidelity, 
courage,  boldness,  and  indomitable  energy  characterize  the 
past,  there  are  reasonable  grounds  to  hope  that  similar  ele- 
ments will  manifest  themselves  in  future  efforts,  and  that  a 
sound,  churchly,  positive  polfcy  will  be  maintained  and 
perpetuated.  A  building  that  rests  on  a  good  and  well 
arranged  foundation,  has  a  chief  element  of  endurance,  in- 
dicating, to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  its  perpetuity  in  the 
future.  A  house  built  on  a  rock,  is  likely  to  stand  against 
the  forces  of  destruction,  whilst  one  built  on  the  sand,  is 
most  likely  to  fall,  when  ruinous  forces  come  in  contact 
with  it.  Matt.  7,  24-27.  '  So,  too,  a  synod  based  on  the 
doctrines  and  principles  of  the  Rock  of  Ages,  as  evolved 
from  Divine  Revelation,  and  set  forth  in  the  Scriptural  Con- 
fessions of  the  Church  during  the  sixteenth  century,  as 
they  stand  in  the  Symbolical  Books  of  the  Church,  ought 
to  be  able  to  stand  and  perpetuate  itself  against  all  the 
storms  of  Pietism,   Rationalism,  fanaticism,  and  unionism. 

The  Tennessee  Synod,  based  on  that  foundation,  and 
having  withstood  the  fierce  storms  of  fanaticism,  unionism, 
and  so-called  liberalism,  which  prevailed  during  the  nine- 
teenth century  against  it,  cannot,  in  the  future,  deviate 
from  its  sound,  tenable,  Scriptural  position  in  regard  to 
doctrine  and  practice,  without  greatly  and  shamefully  stulti- 
fying itself  in  the  eyes  of  the  Church  and  of  the  world. 
Notwithstanding  the  taunts,    abuses,    and  persecutions  it 


LUTHERAN   TENNESSEE   SYNOD.  267 

had  to  bear  on  account  of  its  fidelity  to  the  doctrines  and 
practices  of  the  Church,  it  adhered  most  tenaciously  to  the 
time-honored  Confessions,  proclaiming,  teaching,  and  main- 
taining them  in  the  family,  in  the  catechetical  class,  from 
the  pulpit,  and  through  the  press ;  3^ea,  even  anglicizing 
them,  and  thus  leading  the  Church  in  North  America  in 
these  churchly,  Scriptural  directions. 

This  Synod  having  proved  so  faithful  and  courageous 
for  nearly  three  quarters  of  a  century,  and  established  a 
most  enviable  reputation  for  orthodoxy,  or  fidelity  to  the 
faith  of  the  Church,  and  having  accomplished  so  much  in 
restoring  the  Church  to  her  normal  condition  in  doctrine 
and  practice,  it  is  not  unnatural  to  conclude,  that  it  will 
require  a  most  abnormal  change  to  induce  it  to  forsake  its 
Scriptural  principles  and  to  ignore'  its  well-merited  history. 
All  the  indications  are  favorable  to  its  pressing  forward 
with  greater  vigor,  if  possible,  in  its  well  founded  position, 
in  fully  restoring  the  Church  to  her  true,  confessional  posi- 
tion,— one  of  the  chief  objects  for  which  it  was  organized. 
It  is  now  in  a  better  condition  for  work  than  it  has  been  in 
any  previous  period.  It  is  well  organized.  It  is  a  unit  in 
doctrine  and  practice, — all  speak  the  same  thing.  It  has 
quite  a  number  of  able  ministers,  in  literature  and  theology, 
who  are  true  to  the  faith  of  the  Church, — men  of  energy, 
zeal,  and  perseverance,  with  their  hearts  in  the  cause.  Its 
congregations  are  generally  in  a  prosperous  condition,  ad- 
hering to  the  Confessions  of  the  Church.  Harmony  pre- 
vails among  the  ministers  and  their  people  or  congregations. 
Every  effort  is  made  to  indoctrinate  the  rising  generations 
in  the  sound,  Scriptural  principles  and  usages  of  the  Church. 
Its  literary  institutions  are  being  gradually  built  up.  Its 
children  are  regularly  dedicated  to  God,  and  instructed  in 
the  elementary  principles  of  Christianity,  as  arranged  in 
L,uther's  Catechism.  Its  prospects  are  brighter  now  than 
they  were  at  any  previous  time.  If  it  will,  as  all  the  as- 
pects and  bearings  indicate,  maintain  its  present  position 
and  policy,  it  has  an  important,   a  glorious  mission  before 


268  HISTORY    OF   THE    EVANGELICAL 

it,  in  the  future.  Let  it  determine  then  to  go  forward,  ac- 
cording to  the  command  of  God,  and  it  will  be  able  to  stem 
the  currents  of  fanaticism,  and  to  over-ride  the  obstacles  of 
unionism,  cant,  and  hypocrisy,  and  to  fill  the  sphere  for 
which  it  was  designed,  with  honor  and  success.  Who, 
that  is  honest  in  his  investigation  and  observance  of  the 
work  of  this  Synod,  in  view  of  the  circumstances  under 
which  it  was  organized  and  labored,  cannot  see  the  hand  of 
God  in  its  work  and  accomplishments !  Mere  human  force 
could  not  have  accomplished  what  it  did.  L,et  us  rejoice 
that  God  has  brought  us  hither,  and  ask  his  guidance  in 
the  future.  For,  the  true  Church  is  built  upon  the  Rock  of 
Ages  :   "and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it." 


LUTHERAN    TENNESSEE    SYNOD.  269 


APPENDIX. 


Names  and  Addresses  of  Ministers  Now  in  Connection  with 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran    Tennessee  Synod. 

Rev.  J.  R.  Peterson,  Dallas,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  T.  Moser,  Mt.  Pleasant,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  S.  Henkee,  D.  D.,  New  Market,  Virginia. 

Rev.  C.  H.  Bernheim,  Conover,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  D.  Efird,  Lexington,  South  Carolina. 

Rev.  J.  M.  Smith,  Conover,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  L.  A.  Bikle,  D.  D.,  Dallas,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  J.  I.  MiEEER,  D.  D.,  Luray,  Virginia. 

REV.  I.  Conder,  McGaheysville,  Virginia. 

REV.  J.  N.  Stirewaet,  Stony  Man,  Virginia. 

Rev.  A.  L.  Crouse,  Hickory,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  J.  P.  Stirewalt,  New  Market,  Virginia. 

Rev.  Prof.  M.  L.  Little,  Dallas,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  J.  C.  MoSER,  Hickory,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  J.  K.  Efird,  Rightwell,  South  Carolina. 

Rev.  J.  A.  Cromer,  Columbia,  South  Carolina. 

Rev.  E.  L.  Lybrand,  Summit  Point,  South  Carolina. 

REV.  Prof.  R.  A.  Yoder,  Conover,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  Prof.  J.  S.  Koiner,  Waynesboro,  Virginia. 

Rev.  D.  A.  Sox,  Edwardsville,  Alabama. 

Rev.  D.  A.  Goodman,  Happy  Home,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  J.  W.  Hausenfeuck,  Alma,  Virginia. 

Rev.  Prof.  W.  P.  Ceine,  Ilex,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  D.  J.  Setteemyre,  New  Sterling,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  J.  A.  Rudisiee,  Henry,  North  Carolina; 

Rev.  R.  H.  Ceine,  Orkney  Springs,  Virginia. 

Rev.  P.  C.  Wike,  Maurertown,  Va.      f 

Rev.  D.  C.  Huffman,  Hickory,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  Prof.  J.  G.  Schaid,  Conover,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  J.  P.  Price,  Concord,  North  Carolina. 

REV.  J.  F.  MOSER,  Monroe,  North  Carolina. 

Rev.  W.  L.  Darr,  Chapin,  South  Carolina. 

Rev.  D.  I.  Offman,  Julian,  North  Carolina. 

REV.  J.  P.  MiEEER,  Conover,  North  Carolina. 


List  of  Churches  Now  in  Connection  with  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Tennessee  Synod. 

Alabama. 

Cleburne  County.— St.  Michael's.        Calhoun  County.— Zion. 
South  Carolina. 

Lexington  County. — Zion,  St.  Peter's  (M.),  St.  Paul's,  Cedar  Grove, 
St.  James's,  Immanuel,  St.  Peter's  (P.  W. ),  St.  John's,  St.  Jacob's, 
Bethlehem,  St.  Thomas's. 

Richland  County. — St.  Andrew's,  Mt.  Tabor. 
North  Carolina. 

Alamance  County. — Mt.  Pleasant. 

Alexander  County.— Friendship,  Salem,  Shiloh. 

Burke  County. — Luther,  Lutheran  Chapel. 

Caldwell  County. — Philadelphia,  Mt.  Zion,  Lutz's. 

Cabarrus  County.— St.  Martin's,  Lutheran  Union. 

Catawba  County. — St.  James's,  Grace,  Concordia,  St.  John's,  St. 
Paul's,  St.  Peter's,  St.  Stephen's,  Zion,  Holy  Trinity,  Newton, 
Sardis,  Bethel,  St.  Timothy's,  Mt.  Olive. 

Cleveland  County.— St.  Matthew's. 

Davidson  County. — Pilgrim,  Beck's,  Emmanuel,  New  Jerusalem, 
Holly  Grove. 

Gaston  County.— St.  Mark's,  Philadelphia,  Lutheran  Chapel,  St. 
John's,  Antioch,  Christ's,  College  Chapel,  Mt.  Holly. 

Guilford  County. — Coble's. 

Iredell  County.— Sharon,  St.  Martin's. 

Lincoln  County. — Daniel's,  Trinity,  Salem,  Bethphage,  St.  Luke's. 
Sharon. 

Mecklenburg  County.— Morning  Star. 

Randolph  County. — Melanchthon. 

Rowan  County.— Mt.  Moriah,  St.  Mark's,  Phanuel. 

Stanley  County.— St.  Martin's. 

Union  County.— Emmanuel,  St.  Luke's. 

Watauga  County.— Valle  Crusis,  Mt.  Pleasant. 

Virginia. 

Augusta  County.— Bethlehem,  St.  Paul's. 

Rockingham  County. — Bethany  (St.  Jacob's),  McGaheysville,  Trin- 
ity, St.  Peter's,  Rader,  St.  John's,  Bethel. 

Prince  William  County.— Bethel. 

Page  County.— St.  Paul's,  St.  William's  (Fairview),  Grace,  Mt.  Cal- 
vary, Morning  Star,  St.  Mark's,  Cedar  Point. 

Shenandoah  County. — Emmanuel,  Mt.  Zion,  Solomon's,  St.  Mary's 
(Pine),  Powder  Springs,  St.  Paul's,  St.  Jacob's,  Zion,  St.  Mat- 
thew's, St.  Stephen's,  St.  David's,  Mt.  Calvary,  Morning  Star. 

Madison  County. — Mt.  Nebo. 

(270) 


INDEX. 


Augsburg  Confessiou,  I,  II 
translation  of,  73 

Action  relative  to  Doctrinal  Dif- 
ferences, 66 

Action  of  South  Carolina  Synod 
condemned,  94,  95 

Attack  of  Rev.  Dr.  Hazelius,  118 

Associate  Council,  122,  123 

Archives  of  Synod,  142 

Advisory  Members,  149,  150,  158, 
170,  172,  182,  192 

Amendments  to  the  Constitution, 

211,   214 

Action  in  regard  to  inter-lapping 

territory,  215,  219,  221 
Action  in  regard  to   Rev.    B.   S. 

Brown's  case,  243,  244 

Brunuholz,  Rev.,  3 

Book  of  Concord,  Latin,  13 

German,  14 

English,  in,  112,  126,  128,  132, 

229,  237,  247 
Basis  and  Regulations,  25,  29 
Bonham,  Rev.  Nehemiah,  64,  77, 

117,  120 
Brown,  Rev.  Dr.  A.  J.,  92 
Biewend,    Rev.    A.,    Delegate    of 

Missouri  Synod,  137 
Brohm,  Rev.  Theo.,  138,  139,  140, 

141 
Beard,  Rev.  C,  151 
By-Laws,  152,  157,  159 
Book  of  Worship,  176,  188,  193 
Beneficiary   Education,    179,    180, 

182,  194,  207 
Beneficiary  money,  returned,  206 
Bernheim,  Rev.  C.  H.,  211 
Brown,  Rev.  B.  S.,  239,  244 
Basis  of  United  Synod,  256,  257 

Causes  which  gave  rise  to  its  Or- 
ganization, 1 

Constitution,  as  revised  in  1S66, 
33,  163,  as  revised  in  1883,  223 

Constitution  for  Philadelphia  con- 
gregation, 3 


Controversy  between  the   Ortho- 
dox and  Pietists,  4 
Corpus  Evangelicum,  5 
Change  of  Confessional  Basis,  5 
Comprehensive  Account,  &c. ,  1 1 
Conflicts,  13 

Called  Session  of  Synod,  15 
Chief  doctrines  in  controversy,  23 
Costner,  Rev.  Jacob,  54 
Catechism,  Luther's  Small,  trans- 
lation of,  70,  73 
Constitution,  remodeled,  73 
Conrad,  Rev.  Ephraim  R.,  95 
Case,  Rev.  Adam  Miller's,  jr.,  1 10, 

in,  112,  113,  115,  116,  122 
Case,  Rev.  J.  W.  Hull's,  in,  113, 

114,  115 
Crouse,  Rev.  Thomas,  122 
Campbell,  Rev.  John  F.,  124 
Church  Postil,  143,  144,  177 
Congregational  treasuries,  146 
Conder,  Rev.  I.,  158 
Convention,  called,  158 
Conferences,  164 
Commission  to  Gen'al  Synod,  165, 

166,  170 
Commissioner  to  General  Synod, 

166,  172 
Church  Paper,  166 
Concordia  Synod  of  Va.,  173,  174, 

175,  189 
Crouse,  Rev.  A.  L.,  188 
Course  of  study,  196 
Constitution   of  Home  Missions, 

199 
Cromer,  Rev.  James  A.,  207 
Cline,  Rev.  W.  P.,  214,  251 
Concordia  College,   222,  223,  229, 

237,  242,  251 
College,  Gaston,  229,  232 
Cline,  Rev.  R.  H.,  232,  233 
Christian  Greetings,  a  paper,  240, 

241 
Catechism,    publication   of,     241, 

244,  245 
Charlotte,  Female  College,  251 
Constitution  of  United  Synod,  258 


272 


INDEX. 


Directions  for  deeds,  3 
Differences  in  doctrine,  14,  63,  64, 

65 
Day  of  prayer  and  humiliation,  46 
Divinity  of  Christ,  71,  73 
Duties  of  church  officers,  107,  no, 

113 

Districting  Synod,  141,  143 

Division  of  Synod,  146,  147 

Delegates  to  other  synods,  147, 
149,  150,  175,  177,  188 

Dismission  of  ministers  in  Ten- 
nessee, 153,  156 

Dignity  of  Synod,  216 

Diet,  226,  228 

Diet,  delegates  to,  231,  232,  233, 
234.  242 

Delegates  to  United  Synod,  247, 
248 

Darr,  Rev.  W.  L-,  250 

Easterly,  Rev.  G.,  52,  121 
Efird,  Rev.  Adam,  122 
Efird,  Rev.  Daniel,  134 
Emmert,  Rev.  J.  B.,  137 
Examination  of  Applicants,   147, 

148 
Efird,  Rev.  Jacob  K.,  207 
Enrollment  of  churches,  217 

Fidelity  to  the  Confessions,  3 

Fraternal  Union,  10 

Forester,  Rev.  David,  76,  122 

Fox,  Rev.  Alfred  J.,  94 

Firm  of  S.  D.  Henkel  &  Brothers, 

126,  127 
Fleeuor,  Rev.  James,  137 
Fleenor,  Rev.  A.,  146 
Fox,  Mr.  D.  E.,  159,  164,  167 
Fox,    Rev.    L.  A.,   163,   176,   188, 

233 
Freedmen,  168,  169,  213 
Fox,  Rev.  M.  L.,  188,  241 
Formula  of  Distribution,  251 

Gemeinschaftliche  Gesangbuch,  5 
General  transactions,  45 
Grieson,  Rev.  Jacob,  44 
Greek  language,  46,  52 
Gock,  Carl,  of  Pennsylvania,  63 
Goodman,    Rev.    Henry,    79,    83, 

207 
Goodman,  David  A.,' 164,  214 


Henkel,  Rev.  Paul,  7 

Henkel,   Rev.   David,   13,    71,  73, 

75.  79,  80 
Henkel,  Rev.  Ambrose,  51,  62,64, 

73-  79,  83 
Henkel,  Rev.  Philip,  46,  79,  85,  86 
Henkel,  Rev.  Eusebius  S.,  84,  86 
Henkel,   Dr.   S.  G,  no,  112,  117, 

118,  125,  127,  12S,  143,  144 
Henkel,  Rev.  Socrates,   123,   130, 

132 
Harr,  Rev.  Joseph,  54 
Hymn-book,   English,   75,  76,  91, 

92 
Hancher,  Rev.  Wm.,  90,  104 
Henkel,  Rev.  P.  C,  113,  198,  205, 

232,  252 
Hancher,  Rev.  James  K.,  116 
Hull,  Rev.  Joseph,  117,  143 
Hazelius,  Rev.  Dr->  118 
Hawkins,  Rev.  E.,  119 
Henkel,  Rev.  D.  M.,  121,  143 
Henkel,  Rev.  Andrew,  124 
Huuton,  Rev.  J.  H.,  149,  158 
Historical  facts,  157 
Henkel,  David  S.,  164 
Holston  Synod,  172 
Hausenfluck,  Rev.  J.  W.,  202 
History  of  Synod,  247,  252,  253 

Instructions  to  the  Governor,  1 
Invitation  to  Pennsylvania,  71 
Instruction,  catechetical,  74 
Installation,   194 

Interest  in  beneficiary  education, 
213 

Joint  Synod,  178,  188 
Joint  Union,    &c,   194,    195,   226, 
228 


Kurtz's,  Rev.  N.,  ordination,  2 
Kurtz,  Rev.  H.  A.,  44 
Killian,  Rev.  Jacob,  92 
Koiner,  Rev.  J.  S.,  213,  251 

Lax  condition  of  the  church,  13 
Leaders  in  the  conflict,   18,  19,  20 
Larros,  Rev.  Jacob,  44 
Liturgy,  45-. 95-  97,  99 
Luther's  writings,  55 
Letter,  pastoral,  73 
Literary  training,  74 


INDEX. 


273 


Luther's   Commentary   on    Gala- 

tians,  89,  90 
Link,  Rev.  Adam  S.,  96 
Lutheran  Standard,  no,  125 
Lutherische  Kirchenzeitung,  no 
Luther   on  the   Sacraments,   117, 

118, 
Lutheraner,  120 

Literary  Institution,  132,  134,  137 
Licensure,  163,  164 
Lutheran  and  Missionary,  179 
Lutheran,  Evangelical,  189 
Lutheran  High  School,   199,  205, 

213 
Lybrand,  Rev.  Eli  Lot,  207 
Letter  by  Hunt  and  others,  221 
Lutz,  Rev.  W.  A.,  delegate,  243, 

244 

Muhlenberg,  2,  66 

Miller,  Rev.  Robert  Johnson, 
Episcopalian,  9 

Moser,  Rev.  Daniel,  45,  50,  51, 
61,  97 

Moretz,  Rev.  C,  48,  52,  96 

Majority,  51,  52 

Miller,  Rev.  Adam,  Sen.,  52,  108, 
109 

Meeting  in  Kentucky,  54,  55 

Miller,  Rev.  Adam,  Jr.,  66,  71,  92, 
no,  in 

Meeting  for  discussion  proclaim- 
ed, 70 

Meeting,  public,  72 

Markert,  Rev.  John  L.,  77,  88 

Moser,  Rev.  Jonathan  R.,  92,  137, 
198 

McGinnas,  W.  W.,  Esq.,  112,  113 

Moser,  Rev.  T.,  116 

Missouri  Synod,  &c,  120 

Ministerial  support,  132,  134,  145, 
152 

Ministerial  Education,  132 

Moretz,  Rev.  Christian,  Jr.,  146, 
198 

Mission  work  in  the  Confederate 
Army,  160,  161 

Missouri  conference  or  synod,  195 

Missionary  Regulations,  202,  203 

Miller,  Rev.  Thomas,  207 

Mission  Work  transferred  to  Con- 
ferences, 209,  212 

Monuments,  213,  232,  241 

Miller,  Rev.  Dr.  J.  I.,  229 


Missionary  work,  242,  244,  251 
Miller,  Rev.  J.  T.,  246 
Miller,  Rev.  J.  P.,  250 
Moser,  Rev.  J.  F.,  250 


New  York  Liturgy,  12 
Name  of  Synod,  29,  30 
New  Measures,  101 
New  Synod,  166,  167 
Newberry  College,  170 


Ordination  of  David  Henkel,  17 
Organization   of  the   Northern 

General  Synod,  18,  173 
Opportunity  for  the  final  rupture, 

18 
Organization  of  Tenn.  Synod,  24 
Ordination    of  Jacob    Zink   and 

Adam  Miller,  31 
Object  of  its  organization,  40-42 
Objections  to  Gen.  Synod,  52,  105 
Obituary,  Rev.  Paul  Henkel,  67-70 

Rev.  David  Henkel,  80-82 

Rev.  Philip  Henkel,  85-86 

Organization  of  Indiana  Synod,  88 
Obituary,  Rev.  John  N.  Stirewalt, 

92-93 

Rev.  Daniel  Moser,  9S-99 

Rev.  John  Rhodes,  106 

Rev.    Adam    Miller,   Sen., 

108-109 

Obituary,  Rev.  N.  Bonham,  120 

- Deacon  J.  Costner,  159-160 

Rev.  Jacob  Stirewalt,  180-182 

Rev.  A.  Henkel,  185-186 

Rev.  C.  G.  Reitzel,  187-188 

Rev.  Wm.  Hancher,  190- 191 

Rev.  Jacob  Killian,  92,    191- 

192 
Our  Church  Paper,  197 
Obituary,    Rev.  Godfrey  Dreher, 

200-201 
Obituary,  Rev.  T.  Crouse,  204-205 

Rev.  H.  Goodman,  208 

Rev.  J.  S.  Bennick,  217-218 

Rev.  A.  J.  Fox,  230-231 

Mr.  Thomas  E.  Armentrout, 

238-239 
Obituary,  Rev.  M.  L.  Fox,  M.  D., 

248-249 
Obituary,  Rev.  J.  P.  Smeltzer,  D. 

D.,  249-250 
Offman,  Rev.  D.  I.,  250   • 


274 


INDEX. 


Obituary,  Rev.   P.  C.  Henkel,  D. 

D-,  253-255 
Obituary,    Rev.    H.   Wetzel,   255- 

256 

Pryzelius,  Paul  D.,  admitted,  3 

Political  changes,  3 

Pietism,  4 

Point  of  Union,  11 

Paper  pasted  on  the  word  Trinity, 

18 
Personal  difficulties,  23 
Position  and  Basis,  32 
Persecution,  37 
Printing  establishment,  37,  38 
Publications,  38,  39 
Pennsylvania  Synod,  59 
Publications,  87,  88 
Petition  from  South  Carolina,  99 
Proceedings   of    General    Synod, 

102,  103 
Peterson,  Rev.  J.  R.,  113 
Plan  for  Missionary  work,  207 
Probst,  Rev.  L.  K.,  240,  244 
Peschau,  Rev.  F.  W.  E.,  240 
Price,  Rev.  J.  P.,  246 
Policy,  262-265 

Rationalism,  4 

Religious  revival,  6-8 

Revival  theory,  8,  9 

Rules,  11,  149 

Rupture,  20 

Riemenschneider,    Rev.    G.    H.,  . 

60,  61 
Regeneration,  76,  162 
Rankiii,  Rev.  Wm.  C,  79,  82,  83 
Riemenschneider,   Rev.   John  J., 

Resolution  of  Virginia  Synod  con- 
demned, 95 
Reply   to    Rev.     Dr.     Bachman's 

sermon,  96 
Reply  to  the  action  of  Virginia 

Synod,   97 
Reitzel,  Rev.  C.  G.,  103 
Religious  journal,  103,  104" 
Rhodes,  Rev.  John,  105,  106 
Reynolds,  Rev.  Prof.,  124 
Review,  Evangelical,  125 
Report  of  committee  on  resolution 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Synod  rela- 
tive to  union  with  the  General 
Synod,  135-136 


Revision  of  Liturgy,  148,  150 
Revision  of  constitution,  150,  151, 

152,  156,  157,  161,  163,  168 
Rules  of  order,  158 
Re-union    of    all   the  Tennessee 

Synod  members,  175,  193 
Reconstruction,  176,  177 
Rules  for  beneficiaries,  206 
Reception    of    Concordia    High 

School,  211,  212 
Rudisill,  Rev.  J.  A.,  228 
Regulations   for   United   Synod, 

235,  236 
Relation  of  Tennessee  Synod  to 

United  Synod,  245,  246 


Swedish  colonists,  1 

Saltzburg  refugees,  2 

St.  Michael's  church,  2 

Shober,  Rev.  G.,  6,  10,  II,   12,  16 

Storch,  Rev.,  7 

Stirewalt,  Capt.  J.  N.,  14 

Separation,  21,  22,  23 

Session,  second,  43-47 

—  third,  47-53 
Slavery,  52 

St.  Paul's  School,  46,  53 
Session,  fourth,  53-60 
Sechrist,  Rev.  A.,  57,  87,  89,  91 
Session,  fifth,  60-65 

—  sixth,  65-70 

—  seventh,  70-71 

—  eighth,  71-74 

Stirewalt,  Rev.  John  N.,  74,  76,  90 
Session,  ninth,  74-76 
Symbolical  books,  75 
Session,  tenth,  76-78 

—  eleventh,  78 

—  twelfth,  78-82 

—  thirteenth,  82-83 

—  fourteenth,  83-86 

—  fifteenth,  86-88 

—  sixteenth,  88-90 

—  seventeenth,  90-93 
Schoolfield,    Rev.   D.   S.,  92,  104, 

109,  no 
Stirewalt,  Rev.  Jacob,  95,  99 
Session,  eighteenth,  93-95 

—  nineteenth,  96-99 

—  twentieth,  99-100 

—  twenty-first,  100-104 

—  twenty-second,  104-106 

—  twenty-third,  107 


INDEX. 


275 


Session,  twenty-fourth,  107-109 

—  twenty-fifth,  109-112 

—  twenty-sixth,  112-113 
Shaver,  Rev.  J.  M.,  113 
Session,  twenty-seventh,  113-117 
Sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost,  117 
Session,  twenty-eighth,  1 17-120 
Swaney,  Rev.  Denis,  120,  124 
Swaney,  Rev.  Wtn.  H.,  176,  180 
Session,  twenty-ninth,  120-121 

—  thirtieth,  1 21-123 

—  thirty-first,  123-132 

—  thirty-second,  132-134 

—  thirty-third,  135-140 

—  thirty-fourth,  140-142 

—  thirty-fifth,  142-145 
Spielmann,  Rev.,  delegate,  142 
Sondhaus,  Rev.  Martin,  142,  152 
Swartz,  Rev.  Joel,  142,  149 
Stirewalt,  Rev.  Paul  J.,  142 
Session,  thirty-sixth,  145-147 

—  thirty-seventh,  147-149 
Seneker,  Rev.  J.  E.,  149 
Seneker,  Rev.  J.  A.,  149 
Session,  thirty-eighth,  149- 151 
Schmucker,  Rev.  George,  149 
Smith,  Rev.  J.  M.,  150 
Stirewalt,  Rev.  J.  L.,  150 
Session,  thirty-ninth,  151-153 
Stirewalt,  Rev.  M.  J.,  152,  173 
Session,  fortieth,  153-158 
Smyre,  Rev.  E.  E.,  157 
Session,  forty-first,  158 

—  forty-second,  159-160 

—  forty-third,  160-162 

—  forty-fourth,  162-163 
Southern  Lutheran,  162-163 
Session,  forty-fifth,  163,  164 

—  forty-sixth,  164-170 
Sunday-schools,  172,  233,  245 
Session,  forty-seventh,  170-172 

—  forty-eighth,  172-177 

—  forty-ninth,  177-182 

—  fiftieth,  182-188 

—  fifty-first,  188-192 
Stirewalt,  Rev.  John  N.,  189 
Session,  fifty-second,  192-196 

—  fifty-third,  196-197 
Stirewalt,  Rev.  J.  Paul,  196 
Synodical  Fund,  197 
Session,  fifty-fourth,  198 

—  fifty-fifth,  199-201 

—  fifty-sixth,  201-205 

—  fifty-seventh,  205-206 


Session,  fifty-eighth,  206-208 

—  fifty -ninth,  208-210 
Summit  Rule,  209,  210 
Session,  sixtieth,  211-212 

— ■     sixty-first,  212-214 

—  sixty-second,  214-218 
Sunda}--school  Work,  215 
Session,  sixty-third,  218-228 

—  sixty-fourth,  228-231 
Souls,  221 

Settlemvre,  Rev.  D.  J.,  228 
Sox,  Rev.  D.  A.,  228 
Session,  sixty-fifth,  231-232 

—  sixty-sixth,  233-239 
Smeltzer,  Rev.  J.  P.,  D.  D.,  233 
Session,  sixty-seventh,  239-243 

—  sixty-eighth,  243-250 

—  sixty-ninth,  250-256 
Schaid,  Rev.  Prof.  J.  G.,  250 

Time  for  holding  Synod  changed, 

.15 
Time  for  the  regular  meeting  of 

Synod,  16,  17 
Treatise  on  prayer,  75 
Thanks  to  Dr.  Solomon  Henkel, 

77 

Uniouistic  proclivities,  13 
Union,  more  general,  15,  16 
Unionists    withdraw    from    the 

church  to  a  hotel,  22 
Union,  general,  101,  102,  178,  183 
Union    with    Southern    General 

Synod,  216,  217 

Virginia  Synod  rescinds  her  reso- 
lutions against  the  Tennessee 
Synod,  138,  140 

Work  prospered  and  extended  in 

different  States,  42 
Weyer  Rev.  Antonius,  44 
Work  of  the  different  decades,  77, 

78,  100,  123,   157,   184,  212,  252, 

253 
Wetzel,  Rev.  Henry,  103,  229 
Wagner,  Rev.  James  M.,  116,  170 
Western  Virginia  Synod,  118,  119 

Yount,  Rev.  A.  L.,  202,  206 
Yoder,  Rev.  Prof.  R.  A.,  251 

Ziuk,  Rev.  Jacob,  51 


OFFICE  ESTABLISHED  1806  BY  REV.  AMBROSE  HENKEL. 


HENKEL  &  CO.,  Publishers 

NEW  MARKET,  SHENANDOAH  CO.,  VIRGINIA. 

:o: 

PUBLISHERS  OF  THE  FOLLOWING  BOOKS: 


Luther's  Church  Postil  ;  or, 
Sermons  on  the  Epistles  for  the 
different  Sundays  and  Festivals  of 
the  Church  Year,  complete,  550 
large  pages,  bound  in  cloth,  $1.75 
The  same,  bound  in  sheep,     $2.00 

History  of  the  Evangelic- 
al Lutheran  Tennessee  Syn- 
od, embracing  an  Account  of  the 
Causes  which  gave  Rise  to  its  Or- 
ganization ;  Its  Organization  and 
Name  ;  Its  Position  and  Confes- 
sional Basis  ;  Object  of  its  Organi- 
zation ;  Work,  Development,  and 
Various  Sessions  ;  Its  Policy  ;  and 
Its  Future.  By  Rev.  Socrates 
Henkel,  D.  D.     284  octavo  pages. 

Bound  in  cloth $1.50 

Same,  cloth,  bevel  edges,  with  pic- 
ture of  Rev.  Paul  Henkel,     $1.75 

Infant  Church  Membership 
— Baptism  and  The  Mode  of 
Christian  Baptism,  by  Rev.  P. 
C.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  90  large  pages, 
bound  in  paper 35  cts. 

Answer  to  Joseph  Moore, 
the  Methodist,  with  a  few  Frag- 
ments on  the  Doctrine  of  Justifica- 
tion, by  Rev.  David  Henkel,  50  cts. 

Unitarian  s — Rev.  David 
Henkel  against  the  Unitarians — a 
Treatise  on  the  Person  and  Incar- 
nation of  Jesus  Christ  ...  35  cts. 

Grades  in  the  Ministry, 
with  remarks  on  the  Ministerial 
Office  and  Ordination,  by  Rev. 
Jacob  Stirewalt,  and  a  Sketch  of 
the  Author's  Life 75  cts. 

Christ's  Descent  Into  Hell, 
by  Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel,  D.D.,  10  cts. 

A  Sermon  on  Immortality, 
2d  edition,  32  pages,  large  type,  by 
Rev.  P.  C.  Henkel,  D.  D.,  10  cts. 
The  two  bound  together  in 
cloth 40  cts. 

Memorial  Address  on 
Luther's  Parents,  Birth,  and 
Education,  and  a  Sermon  on 
Justification,  by  Rev.  A.  L. 
Crouse, — price  reduced  to   15  cts. 


Enchiridion  ;  or,  The  Small 
Catechism  of  Dr.  Martin 
Luther,  for  laymen  and  minis- 
ters, to  which  is  appended  a  selec- 
tion of  Hymns  and  Prayers,  a- 
dapted  to  Catechetical  Instruction 
and  Family  Devotion.  Fifth  edi- 
tion. An  excellent  book,  15  cts. 
Per  doz.  copies,  well  bound,  $1.50 

A  Christian  Catechism  for 
Little  Children — 3d  edition — 
by  Rev.  A.  L.  Crouse,  (single  copy 
5  cts.)  per  dozen 45  cts. 

Order  of  Conducting  Sun- 
day-schools, by  Rev.  A.  L. 
Crouse,  price  per  dozen  .    .  12  cts. 

The  Ten  Commandments, 
with  explanations  on  heavy  card 
board,  per  dozen 20  cts. 

Lutheran  Confirmation 
Certificates,  heavy  paper, 
single  copy,  5  cts.,  per  doz.,  36  cts. 

fifcg^All  books  sent  postpaid  on 
receipt  of  price.  Stamps  received. 
o 

Subscriptions  for  the  "  Book  of 
Concord  "  Solicited. — Efforts  are 
now  being  made  to  publish  a  cheap 
edition  of  the  Christian  Book 
of  Concord,  provided  the  under- 
taking will  meet  the  necessary  en- 
couragement. To  subscribers  the 
price  is  to  be,  postpaid  :  $2.25  in 
Cloth  Binding;  $2.50  in  Leather 
Binding. 

The  revised  (New  Market)  edi- 
tion, published  in  the  year  1854, 
is  to  be  subjected  to  a  searching 
revision,  by  competent  persons, 
and  the  book  presented  in  good 
form. 

Subscriptions  are  desired  at  an 
early  date,  to  ascertain  if  a  suffi- 
cient number  is  obtainable  to  in- 
sure the  publication  of  the  book. 

The  amounts  of  subscriptions 
will  not  be  required,  until  after 
the  publication  of  the  zvork,  if 
published.     Address  above. 


Office  Established  in  1806  by  Rev.  Ambrose  Henkel. 


SOCRHTES  HENKEL.  HMBROSE   L.   HENKEL.  ELON    O.    HENKEL. 


HENKEL  &  COMPANY'S- 

STEAM  PRINTING  HOUSE, 

New  Market,  Shenandoah  Co.,  Va. 


NEM  •••  TYPES,  ■••  PRESSES.  •••  STEHM,  •••  5C. 

They  have  the  pleasure  of  announcing  that,  having  recently  refitted  their  print- 
ing house  with  new  types  and  improved  machinery,  propelled  by  steam,  they  are 
now  better  than  ever  before  prepared  to  offer  inducements  for  the  execution  of  all 
kinds  of  Printing  ;  such  as, 

Sefao©!   Catalogues,    Church;   Mlautes,    Circulars,   &c. 

As  to  the  character  and  excellence  of  their  work,  they  take  very  great  pleasure 
in  referring  to  their  patrons  in  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Tennessee,  Virginia, 
West  Virginia,  Maryland,  New  York,  and  other  States. 

ORDERS  SOLICITED.         WORK  SATISFACTORY.         PRICES  REASONABLE. 

They  are  the  publishers  and  proprietors  of  the  "Shenandoah  Valley"  and 
"Our  Church  Paper,"  and  publishers  of  the  "Seminarian,"  Lutherville,  Md.,  the 
"  Von  Bora  Messenger,"  Luray,  Va.,  &c. 

SHENANDOAH  VALLEY,  $1.50  per  3'ear,  is  a  reliable,  Family,  Local  News- 
paper, giving  especially  the  local  news  of  Rockingham,  Shenandoah,  and  Page 
Counties,  Va.,  as  well  as  the  general  news. 

OUR  CHURCH  PAPER— Price  Reduced  to  $1.00  per  year,  cash  in  advance, 
placing  it  within  the  reach  of  all.  It  is  a  good,  conservative,  but  positive  Lutheran, 
Family  Newspaper,  striving  for  the  upbuilding  of  the  Church,  especially  in  the 
South.  Issues  of  vital  importance  to  the  church,  are  treated  in  a  judicious  and 
comprehensive  manner,  by  itsable  and  competent  corps  of  Editors  and  Contributors. 

Our  Church  Paper,  at  §i.oo  per  year,  is  the  cheapest  weekly  Lutheran  newspa- 
per now  published,  and  deserves  the  hearty  support  and  co-operation  of  every 
Lutheran  minister  and  layman,  especially  in  the  South. 

No  pains  will  be  spared  to  make  it  worthy  of  liberal  and  increased  patronage 
and  subscription,  which  the  publishers  indulge  the  hope  it  will  receive.  Every 
family  should  subscribe  for  and  read  a  good  church  paper. 

Our  Church  Paper  and  the  Shenandoah  Valley  will  be  sent  one  year,  to 
the  same  address,  for  $2.25,  cash  in  advance. 

Our  Church  Paper  for  one  year,  and  "Luther's  <  'kurch  Pastil,  sent  for  $2.50. 


^''\,^Lt  :■:&> 


